Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action he is taking to encourage participation in outdoor sports. [50235]
114W
§ Mr. BanksThrough our policy of 'Sport For All', we are determined to encourage and improve participation in all sports.
Government support for sport is channelled through the Sports Councils. In 1998–99 almost £45 million of exchequer funding will be made available to the United Kingdom Sports Council and the English Sports Council. In addition, around £250 million will be awarded to sport through the Lottery Sports Fund.
With this funding, the Sports Councils undertake a range of activities to promote and develop a number of sports at all levels. The Sports Councils aim to support both indoor and outdoor sports when giving grants to sports governing bodies or making awards from the Lottery Sports Fund.