§ Baroness Noakesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is correct, as reported in La Tribune de Courchevel, that the Royal Navy is holding ski and snowboard championships in Les Menuires, France, in January attended by 1,300 people; and, if so
- (a) what is the purpose of the Royal Navy being involved in skiing and snowboarding;
- (b) what is the cost to public funds of the championships; and
- (c) how many of the attendees will be paid for by public funds, and on what basis. [HL653]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)Sport plays an important part in the services, making a key contribution to recruitment, retention, team building and fitness. The Royal Navy provides opportunities for personnel to participate in a wide range of activities, including alpine skiing and snowboarding, for which public funding is approved.
The Royal Navy ski and snowboard championships are taking place at Les Menuires between 10 and 24 January 2005. Regular service personnel are expected to meet the costs of attending, but are entitled to claim an allowance towards their travel and subsistence in accordance with the normal rules for recreational travel. In addition, there is a training bursary of £75 available to beginners attending the event for the first time. The Navy meets the full costs of attendance for three officers with responsibility for event preparation, safety and conduct. Some 900 personnel are attending and the estimated maximum cost to public funds is £160,000.