Written question asked by Clive Betts (Labour) on Thursday, 23 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 November 2003. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Monday, 3 November 2003 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, if she will make a statement on the efficacy of drug-testing procedures in sports, with particular reference to football.

Answer: Mr. Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the efficacy of drug-testing procedures in sports, with particular reference to football. [135086] Mr. Caborn: The UK is at the forefront of the international sporting community's fight against doping in sport The UK's national anti-doping policy is in line with the International Standard for Doping Control which requires sport's governing bodies to carry out a robust in and out of competition dope testing programme. This policy ensures that all sports in the UK have consistent anti-doping procedures and regulations that are transparent and fair to their athletes. It is a matter for the UK's national anti-doping agency, UK Sport, and sport's governing bodies to administer this policy. UK Sport is working with sport's governing bodies, including the Football Association, on implementing the world anti-doping code into their drug testing programmes which will result in the harmonisation of anti-doping processes across countries by the 2004 Olympic games in Athens.

Secondary information