To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which ranks of the armed services attended the Army Ski Championships in 2007. (137127)

[holding answer 14 May 2007]: All Army ranks from private soldier to Major participated in the Army Ski Championships, with predominance on the lower ranks—Private, Lance Corporal and Corporal. The Officials organising the event ranged in rank from Sergeant to Brigadier.

A number of senior officers made brief visits to the Championship including the Chief of the General Staff in his capacity as the President of the Army Winter Sports Association.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the costs of holding the 2007 Army Ski Championships were met. (137130)

[holding answer 14 May 2007]: The costs of the Army Skiing Championships are met from a combination of public, commercial sponsorship and non-public funds. The non-public element included contributions from the Army Winter Sports Association funds, Army Sports Lottery grants and individuals.