§ Mrs. HumbleTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on his plans to improve the audit of the National Lottery Distribution Fund. [41095]
§ Mr. Chris SmithIt is Government's intention that the financial arrangements governing the National Lottery should be as transparent as possible. I have therefore tabled an amendment to the National Lottery Bill to allow the Comptroller and Auditor General access to those records of the National Lottery operator that are necessary for the purpose of his office's audit of the National Lottery Distribution Fund under section 33 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993. This will deal with the concerns of the Public Accounts Committee as set out in their 20th Report in 1996–97. In exercising this access, the C&AG will have to take account of the work carried out by the Director General. This change does not provide a wider right of access for the purposes of value for money reviews of the private sector operator.