HC Deb 13 January 2004 vol 416 cc648-9W
David Burnside

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on publicly funded support for a motorsport circuit for Northern Ireland. [R] [146647]

Angela Smith

Publicly funded support for a motorsport circuit for Northern Ireland must be considered in the context of the development of motorsports in Northern Ireland.

Responsibility for the development of motorsports in Northern Ireland rests with the relevant governing bodies as represented by the 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Ltd. This Group is currently engaged in an 'Expressions of Interest' exercise in relation to the development of motorsports facilities, including the possibility of a regional motorsports facility. It would be premature to comment on funding implications in advance of the completion of this exercise.