§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what statutory basis he has set aside the proportion of money payable to good causes from the National Lottery since 14 October 1997 for the New Opportunities Fund. [31207]
§ Mr. TyrieTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his oral answer of 16 February 1998,Official Report, column 750, if he will make a statement on the means by which the National Lottery Bill [Lords] represents a statutory authority for the shadow accounts for the new opportunities fund. [30856]
§ Mr. Chris SmithNeither the distributing bodies nor my department need any specific statutory authority to maintain shadow accounts. They are for indicative planning purposes reflecting the basis of the Government's policy as announced, and will enable the smooth and straightforward implementation of the Bill if it becomes law. No actual funds will pass from existing distributors to the New Opportunities Fund, unless and until the Lottery Bill receives Royal Assent. Meanwhile, the proceeds for good causes continue to be allocated between existing distributors' accounts in the National Lottery Distribution Fund exactly in line with the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 and Orders made under it.