§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the work of Supporters Direct; and what Government resources are available to it. [67677]
§ Mr. CabornI fully support the work of Supporters Direct, and I congratulate its staff and Board on their efforts in helping to establish supporters' trusts at 57 of the 92 professional clubs in England. I am also very pleased that, with the assistance of funding from the Scottish Executive, the work of Supporters Direct is to be extended to Scotland.
Supporters Direct receives £250,000 per year from income from the Reduction in Pool Betting Duty under arrangements which expire in March 2003. My Department has, in principle, approved the extension of funding from this source until March 2004. This is subject to the provision of a satisfactory business plan. I expect to receive this shortly with Supporters Direct's assessment of its 2003–04 funding needs.