HL Deb 08 November 2000 vol 618 c151WA
Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the terms of the interim licence by which Camelot has been granted an extension to its licence to run the National Lottery until December 2001. [HL4307]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

Camelot's licence to operate the National Lottery comes to an end on 30th September 2001. Contrary to an inaccurate media report, Camelot has not been granted an interim licence to operate the Lottery beyond then. I understand that the National Lottery Commission intends to negotiate a possible interim licence with Camelot, in order to allow a 12-month handover period in the event of a change of operator. The commission also intends to ensure that any handover does not fall during the Christmas period. Should an interim licence become necessary, the precise length of it will be finalised after the award of the seven-year licence. The details of any such licence will be made public once negotiations are complete.