National Lottery Bill

I declare an interest as the former chair of the New Opportunities Fund. I do not see that the amendment is necessary. Based on my experience, I read the word ““prescribed”” rather differently. I think everybody agrees that the amount of government prescription for the New Opportunities Fund is greater than is proposed for the Big Lottery Fund. It is clear how the Big Lottery Fund is operating. But even in that situation, I experienced no interference with specific expenditure. The DCMS gave broad policy directions to the New Opportunities Fund; it did not prescribe the actual amounts or the grants that were made. As I understand it, that is not what is proposed here. The expenditure will be made in the areas detailed in the Bill—charitable, connected with health, education or the environment. I remind Members of the Committee that the proposals for the areas of expenditure have been consulted on very widely by the Government and the Big Lottery Fund.