The estimated figure of the proceeds from the sale of the tickets was to be £7 million and this would have yielded a total administrative outlay of £1.3 million or 18.56 per cent. Is that 18 per cent a straight line figure? Is £15 million the figure because sales have been so much greater? Will the Minister indicate whether there is a sliding scale? As the amount of sales go up the overheads, obviously, decline and how is it that because the lottery is a success an extra £14 million of administrative expenses comes into being? I am not trying to detract from the congratulating to those involved for doing well but will the Minister agree that it is unreasonable because it is a success that its cost should increase exponentially in that manner?

The Deputy would be correct if he had given the full story. That is not the full story. In my reply I said that the total operating costs incurred included agents' commissions. Obviously, as sales increase agents' commissions increase. If what the Deputy said was true it would have to be corrected.

Is there a straight line figure?

I would not like what the Deputy has said to detract from my congratulations to those involved.