§ Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what support the Government are giving to the motor sport industry in the current financial year; and if she will make a statement; [44775]
(2) which individuals in the UK motor sport industry have had discussions with her Department about possible Government financial assistance; [44785]
(3) on what grounds the UK motor sport industry qualifies for Government assistance; and if she will make a statement; [44774]
(4) what financial assistance has been provided to the UK motor sport industry in each of the last 20 years. [44786]
§ Ms HewittDTI has been involved in discussions with the Motorsport Industry Association, several Regional Development Agencies and industry on an industry-led performance engineering and motorsport strategy.
The group is examining plans to develop a motorsport and performance engineering cluster development programme, based on organising business networking and education and skills events and activities.
363WThere has been no direct funding of the motorsport industry in this financial year or in previous years. Companies in the motorsport industry (which primarily comprises a range of niche engineering SMEs) are subject to the same criteria as companies in other sectors to qualify for any form of Government support.