National Lottery Bill [Lords] — 7 Apr 1998

Order for Second Reading read.

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.

I am very pleased to open this debate on the National Lottery Bill. It is a Bill of which I am extremely proud, both for what it contains and for what it symbolises. It contains an agenda for radical reform of the way in which the lottery is regulated and the way in which lottery money is distributed. It is a very tangible example of the Government's commitment to reform and to keeping their election promises. The themes that underpin the Bill--excellence, access, education and the recognition of the value of creative and cultural activity to the country's economic and social well-being--are also the themes that run through all my Department's policies. So the Bill sets the stage for use of the lottery to assist more people in more ways and with greater fairness. I am astonished that Conservative Members cannot see the value in that.

I have two very simple aims in seeking to reform the lottery: first, to ensure that people have confidence in the way in which the lottery is run and regulated, and, secondly, to ensure that people have confidence that the money that it raises goes where it is needed and to meet their priorities.

Mr. Nick Hawkins (Surrey Heath):

Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?

The Minister who piloted that Bill through the House, and who said that to the House, was none other than the present right hon. Member for Horsham.

Why have the Government taken credit for the scheme if it is not their responsibility, and why are they paying for it with taxpayers' money?

That is not true. Only a month later, the Minister for School Standards admitted that the Government spend £50 million on exactly that.

Question put, That the Bill be now read a Second time:--

The House divided: Ayes 309, Noes 135.

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