§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly s possible to the Edinburgh, South constituency, the effects on Edinburgh of the Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [155339]
§ Mr. Chris SmithThrough their Commitment to public service broadcasting, the Government have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK-made, high quality, original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC, enabling it to cater to all the nations and regions of the UK, while giving it the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support its public service remit. We have made it clear in the Communications White Paper that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future.
The Government have also introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over from 1 November last year. Information on the number of beneficiaries by constituency is not available, but estimates based on the 1991 Census indicate that there were approximately 6,700 people aged 75 or over living in Edinburgh, South constituency.
My Department sponsors the British Tourist Authority (BTA), which continues to promote Britain effectively as an attractive tourist destination for overseas visitors. The BTA's successful marketing activities working in 480W partnership with the Scottish Tourist Board are aimed at bringing benefits to all parts of the UK, including Edinburgh, South.
According to the information supplied to us by the distributing bodies for the national lottery awards database, there have been 91 national lottery awards to Edinburgh, South, totalling £3,873,066 since 2 May 1997. Forty two Millennium Award Winners have been identified from Edinburgh, South and between them they have received grants totalling £139,233.