HC Deb 06 May 1969 vol 783 c252
12. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, in view of the fact that there are no swimming facilities for the children in the Mexborough and Swinton Urban District Council's areas, if he will make a financial grant to both these authorities so that swimming baths can be provided.

Mr. Skeffington

This type of expenditure attracts rate support grant. My right hon. Friend has no power to make a specific grant.

Mr. Wainwright

Does not my hon. Friend realise that a great many lives are lost, especially in summertime, because children are not able to swim? Is he aware not only that these two local authorities cannot provide facilities, but that neither can many others? Will he do something to make sure that close to their homes children have facilities to learn to swim?

Mr. Skeffington

There are a large number of schemes coming forward all the time for the provision of swimming baths, and permission is being given for these as rapidly as possible in accordance with the resources available. If the officials of the two authorities mentioned by my hon. Friend would like to consult my Department, we would be pleased to help in any way we can.