HC Deb 22 November 1962 vol 667 cc1391-2
27. Mrs. White

asked the Minister of Education what further steps he is taking to promote the recommendations of the Wolfenden Committee on Sport.

Sir E. Boyle

The Youth Service building programme for England and Wales in the current year has been increased in size from £3 million to £4 million to include projects providing facilities for sport.

Mrs. White

While that is gratifying as far as it goes, is not the Minister aware that it is still a good deal less than was recommended by the Wolfenden Committee? Has he had any conversations with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the other recommendation of the Wolfenden Committee, namely, that there should be a sports development council, a project which was very warmly supported by the present Parliamentary Secretary before he attained office?

Sir E. Boyle

I assure the hon. Lady that all these matters axe under constant consideration by my right hon. Friends. At the moment, I am placing the emphasis on the development of sports facilities for young people. The level of grants towards the cost of sports facilities for adults provided by voluntary bodies is £400,000 a year. Next year, 1963–64, the Youth Service building programme will also include sports projects. We must remember that plans for new schools, training colleges and further education establishments in other parts of our building programme include facilities for sport. I assure the hon. Lady that we are keeping this matter in mind as part of the general capital investment programme.