Alex Salmond looks for lottery help to pay for Commonwealth Games

Oct 26 2008 By Mark Aitken Political Editor

ALEX SALMOND has called for a dedicated lottery game to help bankroll Glasgow's Commonwealth Games.

The Dream Number draw proceeds are used to help fund the Olympics in London and Salmond wants that cash diverted to the Glasgow Games after 2012.

The £300million cost of the event is already in place from taxpayers but additional money could be ploughed into improved health and sports promotion.

Salmond said: "There is a viable argument for looking at a dedicated lottery for the funding of the 2014 Commonwealth Games."

Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell added: "We already have ambitious plans to create a lasting legacy from the 2014 event but we see no reason why a dedicated lottery game should not be created to enhance those plans."

The Scottish Government is funding 80 per cent of the games with Glasgow City Council putting up the rest.

A city council spokesman said: "We would welcome anything that's good for the legacy of the Games."

Lottery operators Camelot said: "The decision on a draw for the games is a matter for parliament."