HC Deb 17 February 1998 vol 306 cc591-2W
Mr. Berry

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he proposes to request bids to run the National Lottery; and what meetings he has held with prospective National Lottery licencees other than Camelot. [29835]

Mr. Chris Smith

The current operating licence expires in September 2001. The Director-General of the National Lottery will announce in good time before then when bids should be sent to him. I have had no meetings with any prospective bidders on the subject of the next licence.

Mr. Berry

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the criteria by which he will assess proposals to run the National Lottery when the current licence expires. [29834]

Mr. Chris Smith

Under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 responsibility for considering applications to run the National Lottery lies with the Director-General of the National Lottery. The key criteria on which the Director-General will assess proposals are set out in the relevant legislation; that the Lottery is run with propriety, that the interests of participants are protected and, subject to these, that the good cause proceeds are maximised. The National Lottery Bill currently before Parliament contains provision for a panel to advise the Director-General on the selection of the operator.