Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action she is taking to tackle the use of drugs by professional sportsmen and women. [780]
§ Mr. CabornThis Government are firmly committed to combating doping in sport. We currently spend over £1 million a year on the UK anti-doping programme, which is delivered through UK Sport in conjunction with sports governing bodies. This programme includes both in and out-of competition testing of athletes, the development of a national policy framework, and the provision of education and information services for athletes and governing bodies. We are also working closely with European and International colleagues towards global harmonisation in the fight against doping in sport. In particular we are working to ensure a strong UK input into the work of the recently established World Anti-Doping Agency.