To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations he has received on the issue of social responsibility and the proposed national lottery with specific regard to (a) young people and (b) low-income groups; and if he will make a statement.

The Department has received a number of letters which reflect the views of the Jubilee centre, calling for controls on advertising to ensure that the lottery will not target young people or those on low incomes. The Government are confident that the operators who will bid to run the lottery will take a responsible approach to marketing and advertising which will be reflected in their response to the invitation to tender. This is one of the factors of which the director general of the national lottery will take account in assessing bids.