§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Prime Minister what advice he sought from voluntary coaches and administrators in(a) athletics, (b) rowing, (c) canoeing, (d) swimming and (e) cycling (i) prior to and (ii) since his original announcements concerning his proposed academy of sports. [40404]
§ The Prime MinisterDetails of the Government's proposals for the British Academy of Sport were included in the sports policy statement, "Sport: Raising the Game", which was published on 14 July 1995. The policy statement invited the Sports Council to bring forward proposals on what the structure and content of the academy might be, and to consult widely with the sports world on the ideas that might emerge. On 6 December 1995, the Sports Council published a consultation paper on the academy and comments were invited by the end of January. The Sports Council also held a series of consultation meetings with groups of administrators, coaches, performers and specialists from all sports, including representatives of the sports listed.
A prospectus inviting bids to establish the academy was published jointly by the Department of National Heritage and the Sports Council on 24 July. A summary of the consultation was published with it. Bidders have until 31 October to submit their bids.