Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Fourth National Lottery Licence

Thursday 18 March 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government taking steps to ensure fair competition for the fourth national lottery licence
  • National lottery funds over 1 billion for projects including covid-19 responses
  • Gambling Commission follows best practice for competitions to determine the licence holder

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Culture, Media & Sport Business & Trade
Context

The fourth national lottery licence is being competed for, with the Gambling Commission overseeing the process.

Question

What steps the Government are taking to ensure fair competition for the fourth national lottery licence. It is vital that the competition is open and transparent. One of the biggest funds supported by the lottery is grassroots sport, as seen in the case of Consett AFC whose FA Vase final will not have spectators despite other matches having them.

Answer from John Whittingdale

The national lottery is vital, funding over £1 billion for projects including covid-19 responses. The Gambling Commission follows best practice for competitions and the Minister understands the disappointment of Consett AFC fans but hopes to get spectators back into stadiums as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Steps being taken to ensure fair competition were not addressed, only general statements about importance of lottery and hope for spectator return in sports events

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Q2 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The fourth national lottery licence is being competed for, with the Gambling Commission overseeing the process.

Question

It is vital that the national lottery competition is open and transparent. One of the biggest funds supported by the lottery is grassroots sport, as seen in the case of Consett AFC whose FA Vase final will not have spectators despite other matches having them.

Answer from John Whittingdale

The national lottery is vital, funding over £1 billion for projects including covid-19 responses. The Gambling Commission follows best practice for competitions and the Minister understands the disappointment of Consett AFC fans but hopes to get spectators back into stadiums as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Steps being taken to ensure fair competition were not addressed, only general statements about importance of lottery and hope for spectator return in sports events

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Q3 Alex Sobel Labour (Co-op) Leeds Central and Headingley
Business Compliance Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Richard Desmond, a Conservative party donor who benefited from increased jackpot limits and controversially influenced planning decisions, is seeking to run the national lottery.

Question

The national lottery helps fund many charities, cultural organisations and heritage sites. Richard Desmond, who benefitted from higher jackpots and influenced planning decisions for his own development, seeks the licence. Does the Minister believe Mr Desmond is fit and proper?

Answer from John Whittingdale

The applicant should be beyond reproach; it is for the Gambling Commission to determine who meets the highest standards of probity and integrity, based on their own assessment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment about Mr Desmond's suitability was not given, only general statement about high standards required by the Gambling Commission

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