HC Deb 19 October 1992 vol 212 cc5-6W
Mrs. Jane Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what evidence his Department has gathered on the effects of national lotteries in other countries on public funding of the arts, sports and charities.

Mr. Brooke

Many countries have lotteries and the effects on public funding vary accordingly to the policies of those countries' Governments. The position set out in the United Kingdom Government's White Paper, "A National Lottery: Raising Money for Good Causes" was thatthe Government will not make any case by case reduction in conventional expenditure programmes to take account of awards from the lottery proceeds".

Mrs. Jane Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what research his Department has undertaken or plans to undertake into the effects of a national lottery on(a) donations to charities, (b) small lotteries and (c) low income families.

Mr. Brooke

The Department has commissioned consultants to carry out research and advise on a number of aspects of the national lottery, including the matters raised by the hon. Member.

Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made of the dual viability of the proposed national lottery and the premium bond prize draw; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Brooke

The products offered by these two schemes are very different. Premium bonds are a savings instrument. We expect both schemes to be viable.

Mr. Bowis

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will publish the contents of submissions he has received on the subject of the national lottery; and if he will place copies in the Library.

Mr. Brooke

I have no plans to do so.