Explanatory note

Section 23 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 specifies the bodies that are to distribute sums paid into the National Lottery Distribution Fund. Subsection (1) of that section deals with sums paid into that Fund and allocated for expenditure on or connected with the arts.

This Order adds the Film Council to the list of distributing bodies in section 23(1). It also provides that 12.2 per cent. of the sums paid into the Distribution Fund and allocated for expenditure on or connected with the arts is to be held for distribution by the Film Council, and adjusts the percentage held for the Arts Council of England by a corresponding amount. This is because, as from 1st October 1999 when the Order comes into force, the Film Council will assume from the Arts Council of England primary responsibility for awarding grants from National Lottery proceeds in respect of films and film-making. The Film Council is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (registered number 3815052).