§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what planning totals have been given on what dates to National Lottery fund distributors; [30779]
(2) if he will list the (a) dates and (b) amounts and estimates of funds and limits to funds given or expected to be given to National Lottery fund distributors; [30778]
(3) if the Government guaranteed that National Lottery fund distributors would have £1.8 billion in total to give out. [30781]
§ Mr. Chris SmithIn 1994, the good causes were predicted to receive around £9 billion in total over the first licence period until September 2001, that is, £1.8 billion for each of the five good causes. The financial success of the Lottery means that it is now likely to generate at least £10 billion over the life of the licence, allowing the Government to make available £1 billion for the New Opportunities Fund and NESTA while maintaining £1.8 billion for each of the arts, sport, heritage, charities and Millennium good causes. While Lottery funds, by their nature, can never be predicted with absolute certainty, the Government are confident that these forecasts represent a prudent estimate for planning purposes. This position was outlined in the White Paper,The People's Lottery, (CM3709) published in July 1997.
On 1 October 1997, I announced the changes in percentage shares for the existing good causes which, on current forecasts, will generate these totals for each good cause. I also confirmed that the Millennium Commission would receive £2 billion during its funding life, which would be extended as necessary beyond 31 December 2000.
I will continue to issue forecasts of Lottery income to the distributors from time to time to enable them to plan their commitments.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list for each National Lottery fund distributor the(a) date, (b) nature, (c) details and (d) initiator of each voluntary agreement to bank up funds for distribution by another distributor. [30780]
§ Mr. Chris SmithThe National Lottery Bill contains provisions for altering the percentage shares of the existing good causes, and allocating a percentage to the New Opportunities Fund. If the Bill becomes law, these provisions will take effect as from 14 October 1997. Meanwhile, the proceeds for good causes continue to be allocated between existing distributors' accounts in the National Lottery Distribution Fund as provided by the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 and Orders made under it.
The distributors are maintaining shadow accounts for indicative planning purposes, on the basis of the Government's announced policy, to 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.
These arrangements were agreed between distributors and the Government in discussions over the summer last year.
150W
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the bodies distributing National Lottery funds to good causes. [30777]
§ Mr. Chris SmithThere are currently eleven National Lottery distributing bodies: the Arts Council of England, the Scottish Arts Council, the Arts Council of Wales and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland; the English Sports Council, the Scottish Sports Council, the Sports Council for Wales and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland; the National Heritage Memorial Fund; the National Lottery Charities Board; and the Millennium Commission.