National Lottery Bill

I thank the Minister for his response and for clarifying the Government’s intentions. As he said, the Big Lottery Fund has given the assurances that he mentioned, which are helpful. It is helpful to have the assurances about the Government’s intentions in that respect. I took particular note of his statement that the key strength of the lottery is as a large grant-maker and that will not alter. I agree with him that loans are a useful way of financing organisations in certain circumstances, particularly when it may lever in other finances, and that the other distributors have such power to make loans. It is effectively a question of proportionality. I do not believe that there is much between us in that respect. It may be a big issue at the end of the day as to whether it should be enshrined in the Bill, but for the present I am content with the Minister’s assurances. I want to apologise to the Minister: because of the timing of the Committee I will not be able to move later amendments that I have tabled. They are in the capable hands of my noble friend Lord Shutt, but I am unable to be here. I am slinking off, but I thank the Minister for his clarification. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.