Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Imbert (Crossbench). It was answered on Tuesday, 15 November 2005.

Cricket in Schools

Question: My Lords, will the Minister assure the House that any encouragement for schools will be extended to those of 16 to 18 years of age as well? I declare an interest as a former chairman and trustee of the Surrey County Cricket Club Youth Trust. It provides indoor cricket schools for youngsters, both boys and girls, acknowledging that the latter-day Curtly Ambrose or Freddie Flintoff may be living on the 15th floor of a rundown block of flats in south London or Manchester. Something must be done to ensure that they can extend their talents and put their energies into something constructive and honourable, such as cricket, rather than roaming the streets.

Answer: My Lords, I agree with the noble Lord. It is precisely for young people such as those that the "Chance to Shine" initiative has been developed.

Secondary information