Written question asked by Nigel Evans (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 May 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 May 2006. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 May 2006 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Sport England North West

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what role Ministers had in (a) devising and (b) approving the scheme for Sport England North West to distribute lottery funds to firms and organisations to enable them to encourage their employees to be healthier.

Answer: [holding answer 8 May 2006]: Ministers had no role in devising or approving the Sport England North West ““£1 million Challenge”” workplace health initiative. Sport England is a lottery distributor independent from government.Ministers do, however, have a role in setting broad policy priorities through policy directions. Sport England's lottery policy directions, coupled with their strategic objectives, provide a focus on increasing participation in sport and physical activity.References to my having been "fully involved in that [decision]”” (Sunday Telegraph 23 April) inaccurately inferred a role in devising or approving initiatives rather than the role I do have in setting the broad policy priorities.Decisions on regional lottery investment are taken by the Regional Sports Boards, according to identified regional priorities.The investments through the workplace health initiative form part of a targeted pilot programme in the North West to encourage employers to put more emphasis on sport and physical activity.

Secondary information