§ 13. Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations she has received regarding disparity of regional distribution of national lottery funds. [4647]
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe lottery distributors are looking to ensure that there is a fair regional distribution of funds. They have been making awards for only nine months. I shall consider the regional spread of awards after one full year of distribution and consider if any changes are necessary to ensure balance.
The House will be interested to hear that today's 128 awards are being made in Wales and Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations have been received concerning a review of aspects of the national lottery. [4649]
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyI have received a number of representations about reviewing the national lottery.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to change the National Lottery Act 1993; and if she will make a statement. [4636]
§ Mr. SproatThe number of people playing and the money being raised for the good causes has exceeded everybody's expectations. I have no plans to change the National Lottery Act. The national lottery is working well.
Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when(a) officials and (b) Ministers were first informed of the use of GTec's private jet by the director general of the national lottery; what guidance was given to the director, and when, on acceptable levels of hospitality; and if she will make a statement. [6334]
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyMy Department became aware of the actual flights taken in the week before the Public Accounts Committee hearing on Monday 11 December. In August 1994, in discussing the director general's proposed US trip, officials of my Department advised that the director general would need to ensure that all due propriety was observed and that the cost of flights and accommodation should be borne by the Office of the National Lottery and not their hosts. Oflot is a non-ministerial Department and therefore responsible for implementing its own hospitality and travel arrangements taking into account the principles and rules set out in the civil service management code. Oflot is under no obligation to clear with, or inform my Department about its detailed arrangements.