§ Mrs. Jane KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he consulted with the charities in commissioning the consultants GAH Group to advise on aspects of a national lottery on charitable donations; when he proposes to meet them to discuss the advice; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeThe Government do not as a rule consult third parties before commissioning research advice. I plan to meet representatives from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations next week for general discussions on the national lottery; and we are continuing consultations with other organisations in the charity and voluntary sector.
§ Mrs. Jane KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he consulted with the football pools companies, in commissioning the consultants GAH Group to advise on aspects of a national lottery on the football pools industry; when he proposes to meet them to discuss the advice; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeThe Government do not as a rule consult third parties before commissioning research advice. I plan to meet soon representatives from the pools industry for general discussions on the national lottery.
§ Mrs. Jane KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to his answer of 30 October,Official Report, column 914, where the contract for the research work awarded to GAH Group was advertised; when it was advertised; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeGovernment competitive tendering procedures do not invariably require the advertising of invitations to tender. Selected firms were invited to tender for the contract. The invitation was issued on 24 July 1992, and the contract was let on 10 August.