§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the arrangements for British competitive shooters to participate in pistol shooting competitions in the UK as part of the Commonwealth Games; and what arrangements apply to foreign shooters travelling to the UK to represent their country at such events. [128591]
§ Kate HoeyManchester 2002 Commonwealth Games will be the largest multi-sporting event held in this country since the 1948 Olympics, and shooting is a Commonwealth Games Federation approved sport within the competition schedule. The Home Office is currently discussing the detailed arrangements for the Games with the governing bodies of shooting—the National Rifle Association and the National Small-Bore Rifle Association. I very much hope that British Shooters will take part in pistol shooting sports on the same basis as those from the other countries.