HC Deb 11 January 1978 vol 941 cc1665-6
24. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any of his functions in relation to sport will be devolved under the proposed devolution legislation.

Mr. Denis Howell

My responsibilities in sports matters relate to the United Kingdom as a whole, in co-operation with Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Ministers. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales already exercise responsibility for sports matters in their countries, and no changes are proposed under the devolution legislation in my functions with regard to sport.

Mr. Dalyell

Does my right hon. Friend recollect that in order to get hold of the Royal High School building the Government had to evict the Canoe Club from its premises? Will he nudge the Lord President and ask him whether devolution will bring any benefits that will in any way compensate the Canoe Club for the loss of its premises?

Mr. Howell

I certainly cannot comment on the British Canoe Club, except to say that, whatever happened, I am glad to report that canoeing is one of the sports in respect of which we are making admirable progress in international affairs. I have no doubt that this has someting to do with the fact that it is based on devolutionary considerations with United Kingdom overall control.