HC Deb 27 July 1998 vol 317 c57W
14. Sir Teddy Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the total amount of prize money which has been unclaimed from the national lottery since it began its operation. [50780]

Mr. Chris Smith

To date, some £226 million in prize money has been unclaimed. After 180 days prizes still unclaimed, together with the interest earned, are paid to the good causes. £180 million of the unclaimed prize money has been given to good causes.

26. Mr. Cawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps the Lottery distributors are taking to make the grant application processs easier for small organisations. [50794]

Mr. Chris Smith

The National Lottery Act 1998 will help to ensure that more Lottery money reaches small scale projects in local communities. Distributors in Scotland are working together on a scheme which provides a one-stop shop service to community organisations. Distributors in England plan to pilot a similar scheme in the East Midlands this autumn.