§ Mr. Michael MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will meet the chairman of the Sports Council to discuss the compulsory drugs testing of all athletes before the next world games, Commonwealth games and Olympic games.
§ Mr. MoynihanI meet the chairman of the Sports Council regularly to discuss all matters of mutual interest, including drug abuse in athletics and other sports: and my Department and the Sports Council keep in close contact on this issue.
The Government attach great importance to combating drug abuse in sport. The United Kingdom now has a comprehensive and independent drug testing regime, administered by the Sports Council, and we are encouraging other countries to adopt equally effective measures. Among other initiatives, the United Kingdom is taking the lead in promoting a European convention on drug abuse in sport.