§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which(a) Ministers and (b) officials from (i) her Department and (ii) other Departments attended the 2001 World Athletics Championships in Edmonton on an official visit; and what were the (a) dates and (b) purpose of such visits. [16651]
§ Mr. CabornAs Minister of Sport, I attended the World Athletics Championships in Edmonton accompanied by my Private Secretary, two other DCMS officials, and an official from the British Consulate General in Vancouver. Our delegation arrived in Canada on 2 August and returned to the UK on 7 August. The purpose of the visit was to assess the requirements for staging a World Athletics Championships, to meet key members of the International Athletics community gathered in Edmonton for the 23W Championships and to support the British Team. I also held discussions with representatives from Canadian business and Government.
§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will publish the programme of all(a) events and (b) activities that the Minister for Sport attended at the 2001 World Athletics Championships in an official capacity. [16652]
§ Mr. CabornIn my official capacity as Minister for Sport my itinerary of events and activities attended relating to the World Athletics Championships in Edmonton was as follows
3 August—Meeting at the Accreditation Centre followed by lunch with the UK Team ahead of the UK Team meeting. I also attended the opening ceremony and met the Honourable Denis Coderre PC MP, Canadian Secretary of State for Amateur Sport.4 August—I attended the Games and undertook a tour of the backroom facilities at the stadium. In the evening I attended a reception and dinner in the presence of the Earl and Countess of Wessex and the Honourable Ralph Klein, Premier of Alberta.5 August—I attended the Games and attended a meeting with UK Athletics.6 August—I attended the Games, met representatives of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) and attended an IAAF reception.7 August—I attended the Games and the UK Sport and Birmingham City Council reception for IAAF members.I also stayed in the same accommodation in Edmonton as the UK team which enabled me to meet and discuss issues with athletes and officials.