HC Deb 31 March 2004 vol 419 c1460W
Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what role regional assemblies will have in the distribution of Lottery funds. [164549]

Estelle Morris

Lottery funds are given out by Lottery distributors who operate at arms length, independently of central and local government. That same principle would apply to regional Government. However the Government proposes giving regional assemblies, where these are created, a role in the appointment of the relevant regional arts council and regional sports board, which are the regional awards committees of Arts Council England and Sport England respectively, both of which are Lottery distributors.