Harry Cohen (Leyton & Wanstead, Labour)

To ask the Minister for the Olympics what provision has been made to respond to demand for facilities to practise faith and prayer arising from the number of people visiting London for the 2012 Olympics.

Tessa Jowell (Minister of State, Cabinet Office; Dulwich & West Norwood, Labour)

We aspire for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to be inclusive to all. The wide diversity of London was one of the bid's greatest strengths and will no doubt help us achieve this aspiration.

Every organisation involved in the Games has considered faith as part of their approach to diversity and inclusion. The Olympic Delivery Authority, the public body responsible for developing and building the venues and infrastructure for the Games, has already produced Inclusive Design Standards to guide construction contractors and sub-contractors. The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games has set up a faith reference group for LOCOG to engage with all faith communities to build awareness and advise how best to cater for athletes, spectators, media and other client groups attending the Games—including signposting visitors to existing facilities.