Written question asked by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 March 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 March 2002. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Monday, 18 March 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 plans United Kingdom Sport has to conduct (a) blood and (b) urine tests at the Commonwealth Games; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Gareth R. Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans United Kingdom Sport has to conduct (a) blood and (b) urine tests at the Commonwealth Games; and if she will make a statement. [43493] Mr. Caborn: We are committed to ensuring that a rigorous testing programme is in place for the Games and with the other Games funders have ensured that adequate funds are made available to the Games to allow for a full testing programme. We understand that the tests, which will be carried out for the Games by UK Sport on behalf of the Games organisers, Manchester 2002 Ltd. and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), may include both blood and urine tests. A decision on testing for EPO (Erythropoietin) using blood sampling is awaited from the CGF and will need to take account of any improvements identified by the International Olympic Committee from the protocols for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. The final decision on the number and type of drug tests rests with the CGF.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 43493; 382 c42-3W;382 c41W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Blood Drugs Greater Manchester Misuse Sports Sports competitors Testing Commonwealth Games
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk