§ 13. Mr. Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley)What support and assistance he (a) has given and (b) intends to give, to the Rugby Football League with regard to promoting the forthcoming rugby league world cup in the UK. [110610]
§ The Minister for Sport (Kate Hoey)I am delighted that the rugby league world cup is being hosted in the UK this year, with the final being played at Old Trafford in November. As with all major events being staged in this country, we are ready to offer promotional and diplomatic support to assist the organisers in the delivery of a successful event, and I am pleased that UK Sport has agreed support in principle of £350,000 towards the cost of staging the rugby league world cup.
§ Mr. HoyleI thank my hon. Friend for that answer, but will she also ensure that discrimination against rugby 16 league will be ended and that it will be included as one of the nine specialist sports to receive special funding from Sport England?
§ Kate HoeyAs my hon. Friend will know, I am meeting the all-party rugby league group this week to discuss precisely that issue. That decision would be historical, and I should like Sport England to look at the matter again.