§ 17. Mr. John Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will review the work of the Sports Council.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Hector Monro)The Sports Council is an independent body constituted by Royal charter which sets it clear objectives. I am satisfied that these objectives are being met, and a review is, therefore, unnecessary. I keep in close touch with the work of the council through my 284 regular informal meetings with its chairman and principals, by attending some of the council's meetings, and by the regular contact of my officials with those of the council.
§ Mr. CarlisleAt his next meeting, will my hon. Friend consider recommending that the council requests local authorities to provide reduced entry fees to leisure and sporting facilities for unemployed youth? Will he further recommend that it encourages sporting personalities such as Kevin Keegan, Sebastian Coe and Mohammed Ali—who has been but is now no longer watching our proceedings—to meet these unfortunate young people?
§ Mr. MonroI agree that sport and recreation can play a valuable part in meeting the needs of the unemployed, particularly the young. The Sports Council fully recognises that and is anxious to help. Finance is difficult, but the Sports Council is planning to earmark some £100,000 to be spent on one or two pilot schemes for young people who are out of work. In this way it can see how best it can help within the resources at its disposal.
§ Mr. Denis HowellWill the Minister confirm the grant for the Sports Council to continue this excellent work? Will it be 7 per cent. as reported? If so, how does he square that with the 14 per cent. increase for the arts, which is an increase of £10 million, which none of us begrudges? Does he recognise that in these days of great youth unemployment the work of the Sports Council is more necessary than ever and that it needs funds at least equivalent to those being granted to the arts to carry out its work? Why are the Government discriminating against sport in this way?
§ Mr. MonroI have not announced the Sports Council grant and do not intend to do so this week, because it has not been decided. The Department of the Environment has many major decisions to make, and the right hon. Gentleman well knows that we have made reductions overall. These figures have to be carefully worked out relative to all the environmental services. When I am ready to make an announcement, I shall do so.