§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the members of the National Lottery Charity Board will be appointed; what qualifications will270W be taken into account in making appointments; when the board will first meet; who will be its chief executive; what will be its budget; when it will begin dispensing of lottery funds; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMy right hon. and learned Friend expects to announce the members of the National Lottery Charities Board within the next few days. The qualities taken into account include managerial skills, experience of grant administration and an understanding of the concerns for the voluntary sector across the United Kingdom. The object is to ensure that a wide range of expertise is available to the board.
It will be for the board, once established, to arrange its meeting, appoint its staff, and decide when to start making grants. Subject to the policy and financial directions which my right hon. and learned Friend will be issuing, the board will also set its own budget for making grants and meeting its administrative expenses.