HC Deb 27 January 1971 vol 810 cc536-7
18. Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent Her Majesty's Government's policy on sport has changed since 17th June.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

For the better, Sir.

Mr. Ashton

How does the hon. Gentleman reconcile that reply with his speech at the annual general meeting of the Central Council for Physical Recreation, when he said that it was wrong for the taxpayers to subsidise sport and that the people taking part in sport should be prepared to pay more? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, if people have to pay economic prices for sport, about 75 per cent. of our tennis courts and bowling greens will have to close down?

Mr. Griffiths

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman read my speech, although he has misquoted it. He is responsible for the figures he gives. I say that it is desirable that sport should increase its revenue so that there should be more money to spend on better facilities.

Mr. Denis Howell

We are glad to note that the hon. Gentleman thinks that there has been change for the better, but that is not the view of people either in sport or in the country as a whole and we should be glad to have details of that change. Meanwhile, will the hon. Gentleman confirm that it remains Government policy not to offer grants to British sports teams to go to South Africa and to compete in international sport in conditions of racial segregation?

Mr. Griffiths

I have told the Sports Council that the Government will welcome its advice on all sporting matters but, unlike the practice under the hon. Gentleman, my right hon. Friends the Foreign Secretary and the Home Secretary will make the Government's judgment on foreign policy and national security matters.

Mr. Howell

Does that mean that the Government are now going to give a grant of the British taxpayers' money for a sports team to compete in conditions of apartheid?

Mr. Griffiths

It is for the Sports Council to judge on sporting merits and to make recommendations to the Government. The Government will make the decisions. as is their right.