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National Lottery Bill

My Lords, I thank the Minister for tabling the amendment and, in their absence, I express the gratitude of the right reverend Prelates the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham and the Bishop of Sheffield, who, as the Minister mentioned, spoke at earlier stages of the Bill in favour of such an amendment. I express my satisfaction with the assurances given by the Minister in Committee and on Report that the intention of the Government to consult appropriate bodies widely if and when balances are transferred will be written into law. I assure the Minister and the House that that will be a comfort and assurance to many organisations that are in receipt of lottery funds, not least the Church and its representative bodies, such as the Council for the Care of Churches, the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England and the Church Heritage Forum.