§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much public funding has been spent on the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme; what sums are committed for(a) the current year and (b) future financial years; how many students are expected to be supported in 2004–05; and if she will make a statement. [171043]
§ Mr. Caborn[holding answer 4 May 2004]: Exchequer funding of £3 million annually has been allocated to delivering the Talented Athletes Scholarship Scheme in 2004–05 and 2005–06. This year is the first round of the programme in which we are looking to help about 1,000 young talented athletes continue to develop in their performance sport alongside taking up employment or continuing with tertiary education. The first bursaries will be announced in early summer and the scholarships later in September.