HL Deb 27 May 2004 vol 661 cc160-1WA
Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to merge United Kingdom Sport and Sport England to avoid the "duplication of effort and inconsistency" between the two bodies as highlighted by the Foster report into athletics. [HL2942]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

There is no intention to merge UK Sport and Sport England in light of the Foster review. The report specifically relates to athletics and proposes that UK Sport and Sport England "should form a senior joint Athletics Team" to reduce duplication of effort and increase consistency in athletics. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is looking forward to working with all interested partners on this recommendation. and the other findings of the report.

Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the streamlining in current sport bureaucracy analysed in the Foster report is consistent with the establishment of Regional Sports Boards. [HL2943]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The establishment of Regional Sports Boards in England is a result ofGame Plan's recommendation that Sport England should reduce bureaucracy and become more customer focused. From April 2004, decision making on funding at regional level has been devolved to Regional Sports Boards, thereby considerably reducing Sport England's central administration. Similarly, the Foster report recommendation about creating a new organisation for athletics in England with a streamlined central office, and with decision-making powers devolved as far as possible, is entirely consistent with the establishment of the Regional Sports Boards.

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