HC Deb 27 January 1971 vol 810 cc521-2
4. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware that some local authorities are finding it expensive to keep their swimming pools open during the winter months, thus depriving the public and schoolchildren of swimming lessons; and if he will take steps to make special grants so that these swimming baths can be kept open throughout the whole year.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Eldon Griffiths)

It is for local authorities themselves to decide their own priorities for expendi- ture on local swimming facilities. I have no plans for special grants.

Mr. Wainwright

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that the lives of far too many young children are lost through drowning? Even during the summer, schoolchildren are deprived of swimming lessons because of inadequate facilities, and during the winter they are further deprived by so many swimming baths being closed.

Mr. Griffiths

The hon. Gentleman will be glad to know that the Government have taken steps to set in motion a "best buy" swimming pool which will make it possible for many more communities to have pools, but it must be for local authorities to decide their priorities of expenditure.

Mr. Tom King

For the encouragement of all-the-year-round swimming in open swimming pools, has the Department studied the possibility of using inflatable covering as an economic way of providing these facilities? If not, will my hon. Friend agree to such a study being undertaken?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, the Technical Unit for Sport has done a great deal of study on this matter, and I shall be glad to send details to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Denis Howell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that an increasing number of education authorities are withdrawing facilities for children to go to school baths and also buses to take children to school playing fields—all in the name of economy? Will the hon. Gentleman look into this matter, which is causing widespread concern to educationalists and depriving children, particularly those living in the inner wards of our great conurbations?

Mr. Griffiths

If the hon. Gentleman will provide me with specified examples I shall be glad to look at them. As Minister for Sport, he followed a policy which is now being pursued equally actively, of persuading local education authorities and local authorities to join in the dual use of facilities, and I am sure he supports that.