§ Mr. StringerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action he is taking to retain the headquarters of the Commonwealth Games Federation in England; and if he will make a statement. [R] [77977]
§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will take steps to ensure that the Commonwealth Games headquarters remain in London; and if he will make a statement. [77774]
§ Mr. Banks[holding answer 19 March 1999]: This Government place great importance on retaining in the UK the headquarters of all international sports federations based here, including the Commonwealth Games Federation. That is why, in addition to on-going financial support from the English Sports Council Trust for the Federation, I have welcomed the UK Sports Council's strategy to assist the retention of international federations in this country. Part of this strategy will include financial support for the CGF's accommodation in London and a secondment to the Federation in the lead up to the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
I have reassured the Chairman of the CGF of our commitment.