§ Baroness Anelay of St Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are their plans to assist a British bid to host the 2005 International Amateur Athletic Federation World Championships. [HL1718]
§ Baroness BlackstoneThe International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) decided at its council meeting on 26 November to reject the offer of Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium as an alternative to Pickett's Lock and to reopen the bidding for the 2005 World Athletics Championships. The IAAF's decision is clearly disappointing; Sheffield would have provided an outstanding venue for the 2005 World Championships. At a meeting attended by my right honourable friend the Minister for Sport, UK Athletics, Sheffield City Council, UK Sport, Sport England and the British Olympic Association on 27 November, it was agreed unanimously that UK Athletics should not enter a Sheffield bid.