§ Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money the National Lottery Charities Board awarded to organisations in(a) October 1995, (b) November 1995 and (c) December 1995; and for each month what was the amount of money that has been transferred to those organisations at the present time. [22545]
§ Mr. SackvilleThe National Lottery Charities Board awarded grants of approximately £40 million in October; £39 million in November 1995; and £80 million in December 1995.
499WDetails of the amounts transferred to the organisations concerned is a matter for the National Lottery Charities Board. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
§ Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the awards made to organisations in the north-west by the National Lottery Charities Board between 1 October and 31 December 1995 giving in each case(a) the date of the award, (b) the stage in the process for payments which each has currently reached and (c) which organisations have now received money. [22546]
§ Mr. SackvilleThis is a matter for the National Lottery Charities Board. I have asked the board's chief executive to write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
§ Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on how Government policy in respect of late payments is to be applied to the National Lottery Charities Board; [22547]
(2) what charter standards apply to the National Lottery Charities Board payment targets to organisations that have been awarded grants. [22548]
§ Mr. SackvilleThe National Lottery Charities Board aims to make payments to grant recipients when the organisation concerned has indicated that it requires the money, and as soon as the board is satisfied that the terms and conditions in the grant offer letter have been fulfilled.
The financial directions which my right hon. and learned Friend has issued to the board require the board to bear in mind the need to ensure that funds are made available without undue delay when they are due for payment to the recipient. The financial directions also require the board to have regard to the need of grant recipients to settle bills promptly in accordance with standard commercial practice.
As to payment of bills by the board itself, it aims to ensure that invoices for goods and service are paid within 30 days of receipt, subject to the goods or services having been satisfactorily supplied.