HC Deb 18 January 2000 vol 342 cc381-2W
Mr. Alasdair Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the economic benefits which will accrue to each nation of the UK as a result of the England World Cup 2006 bid being successful; what account was taken of such an assessment in granting Government assistance to the England World Cup 2006 bid; and if he will make a statement. [103752]

Kate Hoey

As the bid for the 2006 World Cup has been made by the English Football Association, and as all matches will be played in England if the bid is successful, no separate assessments of the economic benefits of holding the tournament in the Home Nations have been carried out. However, studies of the effects of major sports events held in the UK in the past strongly suggest that a successful bid will bring benefits to all parts of the UK. Sport England took account of these studies, together with analyses of the economic effects of previous World Cup tournaments, in considering its grant to the FA in support of the bid.

Mr. Alasdair Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the cost of Government expenditure and support since 1997, other than in grants and loans, for the England World Cup 2006 bid. [103755]

Kate Hoey

The Government are fully committed to supporting the Football Association's bid for the 2006 World Cup, and Sport England has earmarked £3 million in grant-in-aid to the bid. Direct costs to the Government have arisen in respect of the previous Minister of Sport's visits to a number of countries in support of the bid. The cost of these visits was £102,780, although some other Government business was also conducted. Mr. Banks's duties as Special Envoy to the bid have involved further overseas visits, the costs of which are principally being met by the FA and by sponsorship, although the Government are making a contribution to these costs.

Mr. Wyatt

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when Sport England will publish its full accounts on its contribution to the FA (FIFA) World Cup 2006 bid. [104169]

Kate Hoey

[holding answer 10 January 2000]: Sport England made an award of £3 million in 1998 in respect of the Football Association's bid for the 2006 World Cup. In accordance with the Accounts Direction for Sport England's National Lottery Distribution Accounts, that award was reflected within the overall totals for grant commitments in the annual accounts for 1998–99. To date, Sport England has paid £1,328,404 to the Football Association in respect of the bid. This and future payments in respect of the bid will be included in the overall totals of commitments met in Sport England's accounts.