Written question asked by Lord Mann (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 October 2003. It was answered by Richard Caborn (Labour) on Thursday, 30 October 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, what recent guidance she has given to (a) the Football Premier League and (b) UK Sport on the deterrent use of maximum bans for breaches of drug testing regulations.

Answer: John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent guidance she has given to (a) the Football Premier League and (b) UK Sport on the deterrent use of maximum bans for breaches of drug testing regulations. [135312] Mr. Caborn: The Government have given no advice to the Football Premier League and UK Sport on doping sanctions. This is a matter for UK Sport and sport's governing bodies. The UK's national anti-doping policy is in line with the International Standard for Doping Control which requires the governing bodies to carry out a robust in-and-out of competition dope testing programme. Governing bodies are responsible for imposing sanctions where an athlete has been found to have committed a doping offence. Sanctions should be in line with the regulations set out by the governing body or international federation which will comply with the rules of the British Olympic Association or Commonwealth Games Associations.

Secondary information