§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what support he will give to outstanding sportsmen and sportswomen from the Eastern Region. [49634]
§ Mr. Banks[holding answer 9 July 1998]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 16 December 1997, Official Report, column 77, that Sheffield was the successful consortium chosen to run and manage the United Kingdom Sports Institute Headquarters. Alongside the HQ there will be a regional network which will provide first class facilities for a range of Olympic and other non-commercial sports for our very best sportsmen and women.
The Home Country Sports Councils have been tasked by Ministers to identify prospective regional centres. The English Sports Council (ESC) have looked very carefully at the siting of the Centres in England and have taken into account many factors including existing facilities, population and transport. They are aware that there are a couple of areas where the location of the Regional Centre is not so obvious or easy; however, that does not mean that the question of a Centre in that area is to be shelved. The ESC have therefore concentrated on finding a solution so that all our elite athletes, wherever they live, will have access to the best training and support services.
I have received the ESC's recommendations, but they will need careful consideration and discussion before any decision and announcement are made.