HC Deb 19 May 1997 vol 294 cc363-4
6. Mr. Skinner

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what steps he is taking to ensure a fairer distribution of lottery proceeds to regions. [365]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for National Heritage (Mr. Mark Fisher)

It is clear that some areas of the country have benefited a great deal more from the lottery than others. Our policy is based on the premise that the lottery must benefit, and must be seen to benefit, everyone, wherever they live. We shall therefore be looking at this as part of our overall review of lottery distribution and considering what changes can be made as a result.

Mr. Skinner

I hope that the review will not be dragged out. We have been the party of protest for 18 years and now we are the party of power. Now that we are in government, let us transform all our wonderful ideas from our time in opposition and bring about some changes.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Bolsover area—a string of pit villages with no jobs left—has fared badly in respect of the lottery? We have no major towns or cities, no opera houses and none of the fancy areas that have been getting money hand over fist. In future, let us make sure of a fair redistribution to those who contribute to the lottery in those mining villages, so as to restore some balance.

Mr. Fisher

My hon. Friend is quite right: the east midlands has received only 4 per cent. of awards and grants, and has benefited the least in per capita terms—£29 per head—of any part of the country, so my hon. Friend's grievance is well put. I should point out, however, that there have been 10 awards worth £400,000 in Bolsover and brass bands—a subject dear to my hon. Friend's heart—have benefited by more than £3 million so far. Nevertheless, my hon. Friend is right to say that areas such as the east midlands have fared badly. We were shocked to find that the former Government gave no leadership and offered no strategy on this, and we are determined to see that the lottery boards give priority to a better geographical distribution and to all types and ranges of project.

Mr. Butterfill

When considering how to allocate money to the arts, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that such money should not go only to the major cities, even though many of them may be represented by his party, but should also benefit towns and villages that might not otherwise have a chance to see the arts? The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that I am thinking of touring companies such as the Bournemouth symphony orchestra and the Bournemouth symphonietta which tour the country bringing their contribution to the arts to a much wider public.

Mr. Fisher

It is strange to find the hon. Gentleman agreeing with my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) that small villages in rural areas should benefit, but I agree with both of them: it is right that rural areas and small towns and cities should benefit as well. That is why our review will look at geographic distribution and ensure that not only London and large metropolitan areas benefit from the lottery.