HL Deb 09 July 1996 vol 574 cc174-5

3 p.m.

Lord Molloy asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make animal welfare charities eligible to apply for National Lottery money.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of National Heritage (Lord Inglewood)

My Lords, the National Lottery Charities Board is able to make grants to any organisation established for charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes, including animal welfare charities.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for that encouraging reply. Is he aware that through its charity the Animal Welfare Trust—the NHS of the animal world—supports the NHS? The animal NHS supports the human NHS. The animal organisation also supports the NHS by assisting many blind, disabled and deaf people who could live a near normal life through their guide dogs and their cats. Is the Minister aware that without the faithful companionship of their dogs and cats many people would have a less cheerful life? Will the Government support what I suggest?

Lord Inglewood

My Lords, many people find great comfort in the company of what I believe are technically known as "companion animals". The National Lottery Charities Board feels that the fifth theme—improving people's living environment—which is due to be launched in the spring of next year, is probably the appropriate moment for the organisations to which the noble Lord referred to consider making an application.

Lord Pearson of Rannoch

My Lords, will the Government do their best to ensure that lottery money—or any other money—no longer goes to animal welfare charities which abuse their charitable status by campaigning politically against field sports?

Lord Inglewood

My Lords, it is important to be clear that it is not for the Government to direct any of the distribution boards as to where the money should be spent. The bodies which are entitled to apply for grants from the National Lottery Charities Board must be charitable, benevolent or philanthropic. Regardless of its ostensible status, any organisation which falls outside that definition is not eligible to apply.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, I express my appreciation of the Government's reply. However, I remind the noble Lord that Mahatma Gandhi said: A country is judged on the way it cares for its animals". He was a wise man. I believe that our country does its best to adhere to that saying and I hope it will continue to do so by helping the Animal Welfare Trust.

Lord Inglewood

My Lords, the noble Lord is correct in pointing out that animals play a special part in the affections of the British people.

Lord Donoughue

My Lords, I am sure we are all always sympathetic to everything my noble friend says, especially about Mahatma Gandhi. Is the Minister aware that there are some supporters of the causes who have a habit of sending naked razor blades through the post to Members of Parliament as well as myself? Does he agree that such activities, though from a small minority, hardly qualify for, or merit, the description of "charitable".

Lord Inglewood

My Lords, the noble Lord is correct. The kind of activity he describes has no part in any charitable organisation in this country. Such activities can only be condemned from all quarters.