HC Deb 05 May 1970 vol 801 cc181-2
14. Mr. Peter Archer

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he is taking to introduce economy into the design and to reduce the high cost of public swimming pools.

Mr. Denis Howell

In conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science it has been arranged for the Technical Unit for Sport to undertake a development project on the design of a swimming pool for Newquay Urban District Council. I am confident that this project will provide valuable information and will act as a guide to local authorities on what can be achieved for a limited sum of money.

Mr. Archer

While I welcome this initiative, would my hon. Friend agree that if it transpired that a substantial saving can be made on design for something so complicated as a swimming pool it might also be used for other kinds of sporting amenity?

Mr. Howell

Indeed. That is why we established the Technical Unit for Sport. It is doing a study on the minimum size of sports halls and sports pavilions which most voluntary bodies would put on to a sports ground. We are anxious about design and cost.

Mr. Hector Hughes

As the present design is so old-fashioned and not encouraging to swimmers, either young or old, will the Minister consult the Council for the Promotion of Education in Swimming, who are experts in this matter and can give him some proper advice?

Mr. Howell

We should be delighted to receive advice from any source, not least from my hon. and learned Friend who has championed this cause over many years. We are anxious to build more swimming pools, but at an economic price which the community can afford.

Mr. Marten

Has any research been done on cheaper heating of swimming pools?

Mr. Howell

This ties up with the research being done at Newquay.