§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to recommend the classification of additional anabolic steroids. [135527]
§ Mr. CabornThe Government have no plans to make recommendations on the classification of additional anabolic steroids. This is a matter entirely for UK Sport, the UK's national anti-doping agency, to ensure that all dope test samples are analysed in accordance with the Olympic Movement's Anti-Doping Code of prohibited450W substances and methods (January 2003), and from January 2004, the World Anti-Doping Code list of prohibited substances and methods.
§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the efficacy of drug-testing procedures in sports, with particular reference to football. [135086]
§ Mr. CabornThe UK is at the forefront of the international sporting community's fight against doping in sport The UK's national anti-doping policy is in line with the International Standard for Doping Control which requires sport's governing bodies to carry out a robust in and out of competition dope testing programme. This policy ensures that all sports in the UK have consistent anti-doping procedures and regulations that are transparent and fair to their athletes. It is a matter for the UK's national anti-doping agency, UK Sport, and sport's governing bodies to administer this policy.
UK Sport is working with sport's governing bodies, including the Football Association, on implementing the world anti-doping code into their drug testing programmes which will result in the harmonisation of anti-doping processes across countries by the 2004 Olympic games in Athens.