§ Mr. GillTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received from the Wenlock Olympian Society concerning funding for improvements for facilities for athletics; and when he will respond to them. [121356]
§ Kate HoeyI received a letter from the Wenlock Olympian Society on 1 May. I will respond to the letter shortly.
§ Mr. GillTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received from the Midland Counties Athletic Association concerning the provision of athletics facilities at Much Wenlock. [121354]
§ Kate HoeyMy Department has not received any representations from the Midland Counties Athletic Association.
§ Mr. GillTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if it is the policy of the Sports Lottery Council not to grant-aid athletics tracks of less than 400m in length; and if he will make a statement. [121357]
§ Kate HoeyThe Council of Sport England's policy in considering applications for lottery funding for athletics tracks is to follow the recommendations of UK Athletics as set out in the "National Athletics Facilities Strategy". The normal requirement is for a 400m track. However, the strategy allows some flexibility and states that where the criteria for the provision of such tracks are not met
every encouragement will be given to lower key training facilities designed to meet local needs for certain disciplines, such as a sprint straights with a bend, pole vault run ups, high jump beds etc.