§ 2. Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has now considered the Byers Report on Athletics; and what representations he has had about it.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe report of the Byers Committee was made to the Amateur Athletic Association and the British Amateur Athletic Board which commissioned the inquiry and it is for the athletics bodies to consider its recommendations. I have had one meeting with representatives of all the bodies concerned and I am looking forward to meeting them again once they have formulated their views.
§ Mr. DavidsonIs my hon. Friend aware that there is a feeling among top athletes that the administrative set-up under which they have to perform is out of date and that they are prevented from achieving their full potential? They feel 1809 that the set-up is so out-dated that they are penalised when they perform in world events.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. There are a lot of Questions on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. HowellI cannot answer for the A.A.A., but there is a growing appreciation on all sides by athletes and authorities that we need a much greater professionalism in our administration, and we want to bring this about.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisWhat reply has the hon. Gentleman given to the British Amateur Athletic Board's proposals for a national coaching scheme?
§ Mr. HowellI have not yet had such formal proposals put before me, but I hope to meet the bodies concerned very soon when their views are formulated.