Written question asked by Julian Lewis (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 October 2008. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 October 2008 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Sports: Hearing Impaired

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for what reason Government funding has been withdrawn from the British team for the 2009 Deaflympics in Taiwan; how much has been withdrawn; how many deaf athletes will be affected; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 16 October 2008]: Government funding was never committed to the 2009 Deaflympics. Funding has previously consisted of a single supplementary payment of £75,000 from UK Sport to the British Deaflympic team in 2005. UK Sport have since developed a new strategy focused on delivering success in the Paralympics and Olympics—through which deaf athletes are eligible for funding. From April 2005 to 31 March 2008, UK Sport also provided £42,000 a year for a development post in UK Deaf Sport. This funding has now ceased, bringing UK Deaf Sport in line with other national disability sports organisations. The English Federation of Disability Sport, funded by Sport England, provides these organisations with support at the grass-roots level. The Government remain hopeful that a British team will go to Taipei and that consequently deaf athletes will not be affected.

Secondary information