Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Andy Reed (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 25 January 2010 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Topical Questions

Question: I am sure that Ministers will admit that we made a slow start in trying to tackle the disaster that was school sport in the 1990s. We did not make significant progress until 2002-04. Despite the fact that we are now nearly up to 90 per cent. participation, what extra measures can my hon. Friend take to ensure that those who are still not getting at least two hours get them, and that, where there is a drop-off with the school club link, particularly for girls, action is taken so that everybody gets the chance to take part in sport?

Answer: I appreciate my hon. Friend's question and pay tribute to his fantastic work. He has just mentioned the 90 per cent. of young people who now do two and a half hours' sport. We want to take that further. Last year's schools White Paper and the Children, Schools and Families Bill include a commitment to increase that, as far as possible, to five hours, thereby ensuring that sport is an integral part of young people's learning experience.

Secondary information