§ Richard BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what representations she is making in advance of the FIA Motorsports World Council meeting on 13 December to secure the retention of the British Grand Prix on the 2002 Formula 1 calendar; [18457]
(2) what estimate she has made of the value to the UK economy of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix; [18456]
(3) if she will make a statement on her policy towards motorsports. [18458]
§ Mr. CabornNeither my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State nor I have made representations in advance of the FIA Motorsports World Council meeting on 13 December. That is the remit of the UK governing bodies for motorsport in the UK, primarily the Motor Sport Association. We hope that the British Grand Prix will retain its place in the global sports calendar.
Motorsport continues to be hugely popular across the UK. The British Grand Prix is a major event on the world's sporting calendar and the last RA study estimated that the Grand Prix contributes approximately £28 million to the UK economy.
I am in regular contact with representatives of all aspects of motorsport.