Oral Answers to Questions

Dan Jarvis Excerpts

Thursday 28th April 2011 Commons Chamber

[John Penrose]

Thank you for that reminder, Mr Speaker.

As the hon. Lady is pursuing the point specifically about animal welfare with DEFRA, I will not go into that. More broadly, matters to do with racing governance generally, which will include health and safety for jockeys, are part of this Department’s responsibilities. The historically close link between racing and gambling is the reason the two areas are linked in the same portfolio.

[Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab)]

3. What assessment he has made of the effect on participation in sport at youth level of the outcome of the comprehensive spending review.

[The Minister for Sport and the Olympics (Hugh Robertson)]

The comprehensive spending review period started only on 1 April, so no formal assessment has yet been made. However, the increase in lottery funding for sport and the inspirational effect of hosting events such as the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics should encourage more young people to participate in sport.

[Dan Jarvis]

I am grateful to the Minister for his response. Without the Newham-Barnsley partnership, London 2012 would be having little impact in my constituency. Will the Minister look at ways of using the example of the Newham-Barnsley partnership as a means of increasing youth participation in sport?

[Hugh Robertson]

Yes.