To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what contribution his Department has made to the cost of the bid to host (a) the 2018 Football World Cup, (b) the 2005 Rugby Football World Cup, (c) the 2014 Commonwealth Games and (d) the 2013 Rugby League World Cup; what assessment he has made of the effect on the economy of holding each such event in the UK; and if he will make a statement. (295374)

The Department has made no financial contribution to the costs of bids to host the FIFA World Cup, the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the 2014 Commonwealth Games or the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, although there have been discussions with the FA about a potential loan in support of their bid.

The economic impact of events can be significant. To take them in order (a) the 2018 Bid Company have commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to produce an economic impact assessment; this has estimated a boost to the economy of between £2.1 billion and £3.2 billion; (b) the International Rugby Board have published a report predicting potential economic benefits of up to £2.1 billion for a Rugby World Cup in 2015; (c) the Glasgow Commonwealth Games organisers are estimating the creation of 1200 jobs; and (d) the Rugby Football League are working with development agencies to assess the impact of the 2013 World Cup, though research shows one Melbourne match at the 2008 World Cup generated a boost to the Victoria’s gross state product of 15.6 million Australian dollars.