UK Sports: Funding

Lord Bilimoria Excerpts

Monday 6th February 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

I completely agree with the noble Baroness. That is why the Government’s sports strategy included allocating responsibility to Sport England for those aged from 14-plus down to five-plus. The stress, as I said, is not only on sports but on activity. At the moment, just under 40% of the over-16 population are either inactive or insufficiently active.

[Lord Bilimoria (CB)]

My Lords, will the Minister confirm that, after the fantastic performance of Britain in the Rio Olympics, there was, as I heard, a shortfall of £3 million or £4 million for our athletes to go to the Commonwealth Games in Australia? Can he assure us that this shortfall no longer exists and that our athletes will be fully funded to go to the Commonwealth Games?

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

I was not aware of the shortfall but I will find out from my department and write to the noble Lord.