HC Deb 01 March 1995 vol 255 c580W
Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his current forecast of the revenue the Exchequer will receive from national lottery tax in the financial years(a) 1994–95 and (b) 1995–96.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

In the financial year 1994–95, it is estimated that the Exchequer will receive £104 million from lottery duty. Receipts for 1995–96 are difficult to forecast because the national lottery instant game is due to start shortly. However, lottery duty receipts are included in a forecast yield of £1.2 billion for 1995–96 from all betting, gaming and lottery duties.

Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue has so far been received in lottery tax from the operators of the national lottery; and on what dates these payments were made.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

The operator of the national lottery has made three payments of lottery duty. On 15 December 1995, the operator paid £11,629,122.72; on 16 January, £32,755,258.32; and on 15 February, £29,978,975.04. The total revenue so far received is £74,363,356.08.

Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what forecast he made of national lottery turnover in the financial years 1994–95 and 1995–96 when he set the rate of lottery tax at 12 per cent.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

At the time the lottery duty rate was set at 12 per cent., the forecast for national lottery turnover was £1.5 billion for a full financial year. At that time it was not known when the national lottery would start to operate and no separate forecast was made for 1994–95.

Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer at what frequency operators of the national lottery are required to pay lottery tax.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

The operator of the national lottery is required to pay lottery duty on the 15th of the month following the month in which the liability arises.

Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what benefit accrues to the Exchequer from the interest earned on sums due from the promoters of the national lottery in lottery tax but not paid until the due date.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

There are no arrangements for the payment of interest to the Exchequer in relation to lottery duty.

Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what dates during the financial year 1994–95 the operators of the national lottery are required to pay lottery tax.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

In the financial year 1994–95, the operator of the national lottery is required to make payments of lottery duty on 15 December, 13 January—15 January is a Sunday and payment should be made on the last working day before—15 February and 15 March.