HC Deb 16 June 1971 vol 819 cc442-3
36. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he hopes to make a statement on the future of the Sports Council.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 10th June to my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Mr. Charles Morrison).—[Vol. 818, c. 365–7.]

Mr. Dalyell

Are the Government aware that some of us, sitting in Room 10 on the Committee stage of a Bill and listening to these dobs being given to surtax payers, think that some of the cash should be given to the Sports Council for a sports building programme, which would take up some of the employment in the country?

Mr. Griffiths

It is, perhaps, characteristic of the hon. Gentleman that when the Government have raised the status, increased the power and widened the responsibilities of the Sports Council, and given it a good deal more money, he should welcome it in that intemperate fashion.

Mr. Money

May I tell my hon. Friend how welcome is the Sports Council that he has set up, especially in East Anglia, where this sort of facility is so much needed?

Mr. Griffiths

I am obliged to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Denis Howell

Has the Minister consulted the C.C.P.R. and all the governing bodies of sport? If so, would he say what they advised? Have they advised against the policy changes now being implemented? If so, why was this announcement of very important policy change given by means of a Written Answer and not a statement? I welcome the appointment of Dr. Bannister to his new position, but would the Minister say how much time Dr. Bannister will be able to give to the new position and the salary which he will be paid?

Mr. Griffiths

On the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, I saw all concerned and took into account fully, as did my right hon. Friend, the representations made. I have since seen representatives of the C.C.P.R. and governing bodies of sports, and they have welcomed the Government's decisions. On the Written Answer, there was that day an Oral Question in another place and I thought it right that the House should not hear any later than the other place what the Government intended.

On the hon. Gentleman's final point, I have every confidence that Dr. Bannister will lead this Council well. His term of appointment will be for five years and his remuneration will be at a level not less than that of other chairmen of comparable bodies.