Mr. Michael J. FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what support he will give to outstanding sportsmen and sportswomen from Worcestershire. [50921]
§ Mr. BanksOutstanding sportsmen and sportswomen from Worcestershire, who compete at the highest international levels, will be able to benefit from the Lottery funded World Class Performance Programme, which has so far awarded grants worth a total of £28.9 million to support 1,808 elite athletes across the country.
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 asked 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. The ESC have concentrated on 161W 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.