HC Deb 17 March 1998 vol 308 cc578-9W
Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what contracts have(a) been signed and (b) put out to tender in relation to the establishment of the United Kingdom Sports Institute. [34218]

Mr. Banks

[holding answer 16 March 1998]: None.

Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the United Kingdom Sports Institute will be opened; and which sports will be catered for. [34230]

Mr. Banks

[holding answer 16 March 1998]: Everyone is keen to see progress made and the UKSI in place in the shortest time possible. A date will be fixed in due course.

Athletics, road cycling, judo, swimming and triathlon have indicated that they may wish to have their national training facility at the HQ site. In addition, netball, squash and table tennis have indicated that they may wish to have their English training centres at the HQ site. Discussions are underway with all eight sports on this matter. However, all sports, including major spectator sports, will be able to tap into the support services throughout the UKSI network.

Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the sites that will form the regional network of the UK Sports Institute. [34223]

Mr. Banks

[holding answer 16 March 1998]: Information on the establishment of the regional network will be issued shortly. There will be facilities in at least eight locations in England, and others in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will estimate the proportion of the funding for the United Kingdom Sports Institute to be provided by the National Lottery. [34219]

Mr. Banks

[holding answer 16 March 1998]: A detailed lottery application will have to be approved before such an estimate can be made. However the Home Country Sports Councils have indicated that some £160 million is to be made available of which £40 to £60 million is for the HQ site.