§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in relation to the categories of medical research which may be supported via the National Lottery Charities Board; what consultations he has had with the chairman of that board concerning the financial compensation via board grants for medical charities which lost income when the lottery introduced scratchcards and other competing fund-raising methods; and if he will make a statement. [27314]
§ Mr. Sackville[holding answer 29 April 1996]: We have received numerous representations about medical research charities receiving grants from the National Lottery Charities Board. Many of these have been concerned with specific types of research. The board announced on 23 April its latest grant round, which will focus on health, disability and care. It will be open to all categories of medical research organisation to make suitable applications.
The national lottery is a major source of new income for the voluntary sector and has had a beneficial effect in raising the profile of lotteries generally. It has led, and will lead, to hundreds of millions of pounds of additional money reaching charitable and voluntary organisations every year. The Home Office has commissioned research, in association with the voluntary sector, on the specific issue of charitable income before and after the introduction of the lottery. Once the results of this research are known, we will consider whether action is required.
From 1 May, responsibility for voluntary services passed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for National Heritage.