Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Thursday, 23 March 2006 on behalf of the Minister for Women.

Positive Role Models

Question: I am sure the Minister will join me in congratulating the positive women role models in sport, such as Olympic medallist Shelley Rudman, our 56 women Commonwealth medallists from the home nations so far, and the five courageous competitors in ““The Games”” who are women, including my hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Julia Goldsworthy). Is the Minister not concerned that awards worth £3.8 million are made to elite male athletes—over 50 per cent. more than the £2.3 million in awards to women athletes? That entrenches the existing male bias in sporting role models.

Answer: I welcome the hon. Lady to her new position. I am not sure whether the Liberal Democrats are appointing anyone to deal with women's issues— Perhaps we will find out later who that is. The Chancellor announced yet more money yesterday for investment in sport and to encourage everyone to get involved in it. On role models in sport, some of our best athletes at the last Olympic games were women—Dame Kelly Holmes, for example. We will continue to ensure that women get the opportunities that they need to do well in international athletics.

Secondary information