§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what statutory basis he has ordered the diversion of money from the National Lottery to causes other than those originally approved by Parliament. [22574]
§ Mr. BanksNo funds have been diverted from the existing good causes. Funds continue to be allocated between the existing five good causes according to the percentages approved by Parliament. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 1 October 1997 that, from 14 October, and with the agreement of existing Lottery distributors, "shadow" accounts would be maintained, setting aside funds for the New Opportunities Fund and NESTA on the basis of the proposed percentage shares outlined in the National Lottery Bill. The existing distributors are planning their commitments and expenditure on the basis of these "shadow" accounts. Subject to Parliamentary approval of the relevant provisions of the Bill, resources will be transferred to the New Opportunities Fund and NESTA in line with these accounts after Royal Assent. If the legislation were not passed, for whatever reason, the funds would simply remain in the accounts of the existing distributors, as currently provided.