HC Deb 30 October 2003 vol 412 cc323-4W
John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent guidance she has given to(a) the Football Premier League and (b) UK Sport on the deterrent use of maximum bans for breaches of drug testing regulations. [135312]

Mr. Caborn

The Government have given no advice to the Football Premier League and UK Sport on doping sanctions.

This is a matter for UK Sport and sport's governing bodies. The UK's national anti-doping policy is in line with the International Standard for Doping Control which requires the governing bodies to carry out a robust in-and-out of competition dope testing programme. Governing bodies are responsible for imposing sanctions where an athlete has been found to have committed a doping offence. Sanctions should be in line with the regulations set out by the governing body or international federation which will comply with the rules of the British Olympic Association or Commonwealth Games Associations.

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