§ 28. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has now made of the change in the method of financing sport.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsIt is too early to do this comprehensively.
§ Mr. DalyellAre not there already some signs that in local authorities' expenditure sport is being pushed towards the end of the queue?
§ Mr. GriffithsNo, Sir. The early signs are exactly the opposite. I am very glad that with their new freedom to use their own resources as they choose in this field there is a considerable improvement in the Midlands, the South-East, Scotland and Wales in the allocations by local authorities for sport projects.
§ Mr. Denis HowellIf that is so, we welcome it and hope that the hon. Gentleman will keep very much in mind some large authorities which have always been backward in providing help, especially to voluntary sport. Does the hon. Gentleman understand the great concern of the sports bodies that voluntary sports clubs in Scotland and Wales can now qualify for a 50 per cent. grant for sports facilities whereas that is not the case in England? Will he reconsider his policy, to see that the facilities given to sports clubs in Scotland and Wales apply equally to those in England?
§ Mr. GriffithsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales will be responsible for replying on those points. I can only assure the hon. Gentleman that substantially more money is available for sports facilities of all kinds in this financial year than ever before.