HC Deb 13 March 1969 vol 779 cc1549-51
23. Mr. Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what negotiations he has undertaken with the governing bodies of sport about arrangements for Government assistance to them for the next Olympic Games; and if he will make a statement.

49. Sir G. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are his plans for financial assistance to those concerned with preparing for Great Britain's representation in athletics at the next Olympic Games.

Mr. Denis Howell

I have now completed discussions with each of the governing bodies concerned with the 1972 Olympic Games based On a four-year programme covering training and participation in international events. The governing bodies are providing further information as a result of these discussions, and this will, I hope, enable us to assess the extent to which it will be possible for the Government to assist them with this part of their work.

Mr. Morrison

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that if governing bodies are to be able properly to organise the training and the deployment of coaches for the Olympic Games it is very important that their administration should be very strong? What assistance, financial or otherwise, are the governing bodies now being given towards the strengthening of their organisation?

Mr. Howell

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman has taken an early opportunity to rebut what "Crossbencher" wrote last Sunday. I cannot give a full reply until I have completed the very detailed investigations which I am making into the whole of this question. I met 21 governing bodies of sports in January and February, and there are some further discussions still to come, but we hope to make announcements on these matters very soon.

Sir G. de Freitas

Before giving public money to athletics—my Question No. 49 relates to athletics—will my hon. Friend insist on a modern organisation in this field, on the lines, for instance, of the Byers Committee's recommendations?

Mr. Howell

There is a very delicate balance between Government and the freedom of sports bodies which I have to observe. Although I try to give public money where I think it will do most good as an incentive, the governing bodies of sports have freedom. But I am happy to tell my hon. Friend that I believe that we have made substantial progress. The proposals which I understand will be reaching me very soon, although not on all fours with the Byers Committee's Report, go a considerable distance, in respect of administration, coaching and international participation, to meet those recommendations.

34. Mr. Holland

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what support his Department is giving towards a 2,000-metre Olympic training course for the Amateur Rowing Association on the River Trent at Holme Pierrepoint, Nottinghamshire; and when the course will be available for training.

Mr. Denis Howell

I recently discussed this project in detail with representatives of the local authority concerned. There are some considerable difficulties in the way of designating Holme Pierrepoint as a national rowing centre, and further consideration and discussion will be needed before any progress will be possible.

Mr. Holland

Will the Minister bear two points in mind; first, the central position in the heart of England of the proposed site, and, secondly, the fact that a 2,000-metre course on the Trent could be provided during 1970 in plenty of time for training to start for the Olympic Games in 1972?

Mr. Howell

These possibilities are well known to me. The Lee Valley was designated on the recommendation of the Amateur Rowing Association for a national centre, and I could not get out of that commitment without, in all honour, consulting the Lee Valley Authority first.