§ 32. Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will now issue a circular to all local education authorities setting out advice on the joint provision of sports facilities for educational and community use.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Denis Howell)The Circular issued jointly by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the Department of Education and Science in August 1964 set 712 out the policy about joint provision, and I am glad to reaffirm this principle. The officers of the two Departments are always ready to discuss and advise upon detailed proposals. I expect the regional sports councils to give close attention to ensuring that local authorities provide for joint provision of sports facilities.
§ Mr. RoseIs my hon. Friend aware that a further circular, devoted entirely to this topic, would be of great assistance in overcoming the reluctance of some local authorities? Would he stress in particular the need for this in all future productions?
§ Mr. HowellI think that a further circular would be premature, at least until we have completed the survey of our national sports facilities. Meantime I hope that some practical schemes can be encouraged which will probably do more than another circular at this stage.