Written question asked by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Thursday, 12 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 December 2002. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 December 2002 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what further action she has taken to increase the number of drug tests on competitors at elite sporting events in the UK; and if she will make a statement. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what further action she has taken to increase the number of drug tests on competitors at elite sporting events in the UK; and if she will make a statement. [87887] Mr. Caborn: This Government is firmly committed to combating doping in sport. The anti-doping programme in the UK is delivered through the national anti-doping organisation, UK Sport, in conjunction with sports governing bodies. As a result of the 2002 Spending Review this Government has allocated additional funds to UK Sport specifically to increase the number of public interest tests carried out under the anti-doping programme and to meet the additional costs of new blood tests. The funding, which amounts to £1.5 million in 2004-05 and £3.2 million in 2005-06, will ensure the continued quality and comprehensiveness of UK Sport's anti-doping programme.

Secondary information