[DOF_power]

MIA President quizzes Government over its support for motorsport industry

07/03/2008
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Yesterday, in the House of Lords, MIA President Lord Astor of Hever quizzed the UK Government over its support for the motorsport industry to ensure it did not lose its global leadership position. Baroness Vadera responded on behalf of the Government.
Lord Astor warned of imminent severe job losses due to the proposed budget cap on F1 teams which, as the majority are based in the UK , will "hit this country harder than others in Europe". He asked the Government to find ways to mitigate the effect on highly-skilled employees and provide regional and national support. The Minister confirmed she would be happy to meet with the FIA, UK F1 teams and the MIA to review the effect on UK industry.
Lord Astor called it a "scandal" that Patricia Hewitt had announced £16million of support with a fanfare of publicity in 2003 which turned out to be, in reality, 40% less – at £10 million. She had, according to an RDA response, "implied an unsubstantiated financial commitment from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) which was not forthcoming". The £3.5 million, included in the Hewitt commitment, was, said the DCMS, "unavailable due to limited resources and other priorities".
Baroness Vadera however said: "it was essential to retain the British Grand Prix" and offered to help with planning and to resolve any other issues.
Astor called for urgent funding for a new National Survey of the sport and the industry to update vital statistics so the MSA, MIA and others can develop an ongoing strategy for sport and industry.
Astor pressed the Minister to explain what funding plans for motorsport were in place, once Motorsport Development UK ended its initiative in March 2009.
The Minister replied that there "was no budget for this after that date" but confirmed the Government will continue to be involved and interested in the sector.

[Bob Tanner]

Wow. I didn't know the Motorsorts Industry Agency carried that much juice. I am impressed.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Wow. I didn't know the Motorsorts Industry Agency carried that much juice. I am impressed.

when your President is a "Lord of the Realm" it's much easier to get attention.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

when your President is a "Lord of the Realm" it's much easier to get attention.

Ours isn't?

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Ours isn't?

nope, he's a Prince.