HC Deb 20 December 1999 vol 341 c520
18. Sir Sydney Chapman (Chipping Barnet)

If he will make a statement on the rules and specification for the renewal of the national lottery licence. [102012]

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Mr. Chris Smith)

The new national lottery licence will be awarded by the National Lottery Commission. The commission published its invitation to apply on 30 November, which sets out what bidders for the new licence are required to do.

Sir Sydney Chapman

I thank the Secretary of State for that information. Would he prefer the licensee who operates and administers the national lottery to do so without profit, or does he hope that the operator will be the person who brings in the maximum revenue to the Exchequer and good causes? Alternatively, is he keeping his fingers crossed and hoping for both?

Mr. Smith

We have consistently said that we would welcome a good, not-for-profit bid for the running of the lottery. However, the prime test must be the amount of money raised for the good causes. The best way to secure that is through strong competition between potential bidders.