To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the contribution crown green bowling makes to the promotion of (a) social cohesion and (b) a healthier nation. [123516]

[holding answer 8 July 2003]: The Government appreciate that sport and physical activity have valuable roles to play in tackling a wide range of objectives, including promoting social cohesion and improving health. This Department and Sport England have, however, made no formal assessment specifically of the role of crown green bowling in the promotion of social cohesion and a healthier nation.