HC Deb 28 July 2000 vol 354 cc1114-5W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he intends to undertake a review of the English Sports Council. [133865]

Mr. Chris Smith

As part of my Department's programme of quinquennial reviews of its public bodies, I have today announced the start of our Review of the English Sports Council.

The English Sports Council (ESC) is responsible for developing and maintaining the infrastructure of sport in England, for distributing National Lottery funds for sport in England and for five National Sports Centres. The Review of the ESC will include an evaluation of its role and functions and how those functions can best be carried out, and a review of the efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness of the way in which the ESC delivers services to its users. We aim to complete the Review before the end of the financial year. Copies of the Terms of Reference have been placed in the Libraries of the House.