HC Deb 21 October 2002 vol 391 cc31-2W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her policy is on the provision of Lottery funding to groups with a political agenda. [75621]

Mr. Caborn

It is for individual Lottery distributors to decide upon the eligibility of individual applicants according to the powers given them under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 and in consideration of the directions issued to them under that Act.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport under what provision of the arrangements for managing the National Lottery grant finance was provided to the Community Empowerment Network. [75620]

Mr. Caborn

Under the powers given to it by the National Lottery etc. Act 1993, the Community Fund awarded a grant of £198,823 to the Communities Empowerment Network in June 2000 for work in the Greater London area. This grant completed in July 2002 and the Community Fund do not fund the organisation currently.

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to improve access to Lottery funds for village hall projects. [75242]

Mr. Caborn

We have asked Lottery distributors to work together to make it easier for groups to access funding for multi-purpose community buildings, including village halls. Earlier this year they launched a £2 million trial programme in the West Midlands with a shared application process for groups seeking up to £100,000 to improve their community building and the sports, arts or community activities that happen there.

Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much National Lottery funding was granted to ex-servicemen's welfare organisations in West Sussex last year. [75531]

Mr. Caborn

I am not aware of any Lottery funding granted to such organisations in West Sussex last year.

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