§ 19. Sir J. Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why he has refused to allow the Horncastle Playing Fields Association permission to proceed with their project at their own expense, on the basis of receiving an assurance from him that a grant would ultimately be forthcoming.
§ Mr. Denis HowellAgreement to this request would be contrary to the present policy of the Government that all capital sports projects for which grants from public funds are required must be postponed for the time being, unless they are situated in development districts.
§ Sir J. MaitlandIs not that a little odd? Do the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friends have no faith in the protestations of the Government that they are going to get out of the mess which they themselves got into? Surely he ought to be able to back this project.
§ Mr. HowellSir, there are fairies at the bottom of my garden, too.
§ Mr. SnowMy hon. Friend refers to the exception of the development districts, but would he be kind enough to take into consideration also the interests of the overspill receiving districts, where population movements are very substantial indeed? Will he bear in mind that what are so-called parishes are, in fact, quite large townships in certain cases which demand and justify this sort of capital expenditure?
§ Mr. HowellThe forward planning of recreational resources in overspill areas is a matter of considerable concern and priority for the regional sports councils.