HC Deb 22 November 1999 vol 339 cc51-2W
20. Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proposals he has to simplify the procedures for small voluntary organisations to apply for grants from Lottery funding bodies. [98986]

Mr. Chris Smith

The Awards for All scheme, which involves Lottery distributors working closely together to provide a one-stop shop, has already made procedures much simpler for community groups seeking grants of up to £5,000. To build on this we are working with distributors to find ways of simplifying the application process generally to ensure that it is user-friendly and that forms are written in plain English. I have also asked the independent Quality, Efficiency and Standards Team which I established to look at the costs associated with making a Lottery application.

26. Mr. Michael Jabez Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what benefit he expects to secure for the public from the new funding agreement with the Heritage Lottery Fund. [98992]

Mr. Alan Howarth

The Heritage Lottery Fund is not subject to a funding agreement, since it does not receive money voted by Parliament. The Fund's grant-giving activities are controlled through financial and policy directions issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Dr. George Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the operation of the National Lottery Act 1998. [98989]

Mr. Chris Smith

I refer my hon. Friend to the oral answer given earlier today by the Under-Secretary my hon. Friend the Member for Vauxhall (Kate Hoey) to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockport (Ms Coffey),Official Report, column 326.