more cash into sporting and youth groups .

Sir John made his call during a debate in the House of Assembly yesterday as MPs discussed department budgets.

However it received a lukewarm reception as opposition MPs said religious groups would not be in favour and other avenues of raising cash should be explored.

The idea of a lottery was raised during a debate on the Youth and Sports Ministry's budget when the issue of more funding for groups was discussed.

Shadow Sports Minister Nelson Bascome called for the creation of a `superfund' managed by trustees to help support youth and sporting groups and put more cash into activities.

He said cash could come from a range of sources -- including any special prize money not claimed -- and could be managed to direct resources where they were most needed.

Mr. Bascome also called for a more business-like approach to sport and said developing sports as a business could help unlock its potential.

"The PLP believes in long-term investment in our sporting bodies and not just from the public purse,'' he said.

Recently the Bermuda branch of the Institute of Directors suggested a local or international lottery as a way of raising funds as an alternative to more or new taxes and help trim Government spending.

Yesterday Sir John suggested setting up a lottery to raise cash to invest in sport -- saying Government could not be expected to have a bottomless purse.

"There are two ways of creating a `superfund', either by taxation or by groups putting in the money they already contribute.

"A lottery by any other name is a `superfund'. Government cannot find the money to do it all when there are so many demands.

"I would ask Government to come up with a lottery that is dedicated towards youth, sport and recreation so we know there is a pool of funds,'' said Sir John.

However PLP backbencher Ottiwell Simmons said he believed lotteries would be an unpopular way to raise money and could be opposed by religious groups on the Island.

"The religious community has never supported that kind of thing and a Government that attempts to set up a lottery will have their share of difficulties to overcome,'' said Mr. Simmons.