HC Deb 12 June 1997 vol 295 cc546-7W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to ban those identified as bearing the ε4 gene from participating professionally in contact sports; and if he will make a statement. [2119]

Mr. Banks

None. I am aware of the concern about the APO ε4 allele, which is sometimes associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. I am not aware of evidence which could justify banning those who have the APO ε4 allele from participating professionally in contact sports, even were there powers to do so.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to introduce mandatory genetic screening for those involved in contact sports to identify fighters genetically predisposed to suffer brain damage; and if he will make a statement. [2118]

Mr. Banks

None, although this is a very interesting question. However, I believe that the utmost attention must be paid to all sports where risk is a factor, and my Department encourages all governing bodies of sport to have the appropriate medical and safety regulations in place.