4. To ask the Minister for the Olympics what assessment she has made of the merits of the venue for the shooting events at the 2012 Olympic Games; and if she will make a statement. (182019)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Maldon and East Chelmsford (Mr. Whittingdale) on 10 September 2007.

Outline assessments during the bid phase were conducted on the basis of providing the overlay required to stage shooting events at the National Shooting Centre at Bisley. However, during the bidding phase, the International Olympic Committee commented on the distance between Bisley and the Olympic Park. On the basis of this feedback, and following consultation with the International Shooting Federation and British Shooting (the national governing body), the Royal Artillery barracks at Woolwich was selected as the shooting venue, due to its iconic location and its close proximity to the Olympic Park and Village. These factors will improve the athlete and spectator experience by limiting travel and making it easier to attend other Games events on the same day in the Olympic Park.

LOCOG will work with the Ministry of Defence, the Home Office and Greenwich Council to see what legacy can be left behind in Woolwich after the Games.