§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many sports have formally undertaken to participate in the United Kingdom Sports Institute. [68113]
§ Mr. Chris Smith[holding answer 28 January 1999]: The United Kingdom Sports Institute will offer a network of first class services and facilities to a range of Olympic and other non-commercial sports. Major spectator sports will also be able to tap into the top quality sports science, medicine, nutrition and coaching expertise available.
694WThe Sports Councils and Phoenix Sports Limited (the company established by the Sheffield Consortium) have been obtaining the views of Athletics, Netball, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis and Triathlon to confirm exactly what their requirements are at the site in Sheffield. In addition to this, my hon. Friend the Minister for Sport has written seeking confirmation that they are happy with current proposals.
In parallel, the Home Country Sports Councils have been developing the proposed network centres throughout the country. Proposals for Scotland have already been made public. In England, the English Sports Council has been consulting widely with the governing bodies of sport over the past six months. This has included discussion with the newly appointed Performance Directors who have brought their own views on the most appropriate high performance structure for their sport. They are best placed to tell us what their sport needs and it is only sensible that we listen to what they have to say. I plan to make a more comprehensive announcement soon.