§ 21. Mr. Doigasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many bowling club representatives he has appointed to the Sports Council for Scotland.
§ Mr. MonroNone of the members was appointed to represent a particular sport. All were appointed for the contribution they would, as individuals, make to the work of the council as a whole.
§ Mr. DoigDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is necessary to have some representation of the sports which cater for the largest number of people? Is he not aware that bowling is next to angling as the largest participating sport in Scotland, with over 60,000 people actively participating regularly? Does he not think that he should put on the Sports Council for Scotland someone who could put forward their point of view?
§ Mr. MonroI will bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said when I next appoint members to the Sports Council. I ask him to accept, however, that bowling, although it has been without representation, has accepted grants of £282,000 since the scheme was set up in 1964 and that this is much more than any other single sport has received.
§ Mr. GalbraithIs my hon. Friend aware that bowlers have a great tradition of calmness and initiative, going back to the days of Sir Francis Drake? Is he really saying that none of today's bowlers in Scotland have these qualities? If he is, I do not believe him.
§ Mr. MonroOf course, there are bowlers of quality, but I do not think that Sir Francis Drake would play at Queen's Park or Hampden Park.