§ Charlotte AtkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the oral statement by the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting, of 11 April 2000,Official Report,column 11WH, if he will set out the Government's position on not-for-profit bidders for the next licence to run the National Lottery. [119305]
§ Mr. Chris SmithWe have maintained the policy of seeking (and welcoming) any bids from efficient not-for-profit operators; but the selection of the next operator of the National Lottery is a matter for the National Lottery Commission, not the Government. Subject to ensuring that players are protected and the Lottery is run with all due propriety, the Commission will award the next licence to the bidder likely to raise the most for the good causes. Any comments made by my hon. Friend the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting during the course of the debate on 11 April should not be interpreted as contradicting this position in any way.