§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will have discussions with sporting authorities about the use of drugs, including beta-blockers, by sportsmen and women; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TraceyI strongly condemn the use of drugs in sport. Action to combat this is vigorously and positively led by the Sports Council, and I fully support its actions. In March 1984 the council adopted a resolution obliging all sports to introduce random checks. In March 1985 the council decided to apply severe sanctions to governing bodies of sport who did not introduce effective anti-doping measures. The council continue to fund research into methods of detection for new drugs which unfairly aid performance.
The Government and the Sports Council have also taken firm action in the international context. In May 1984 the Government supported the adoption of a European anti-doping charter; and more recently the Sports Council announced the formation of an international working party, chaired by the United Kingdom, to study ways and means for the promotion and implementation of effective anti-doping measures.