HC Deb 08 July 1981 vol 8 cc392-3
6. Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current financial allocation of funds by the Sports Council to sporting facilities for the disabled.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Hector Monro)

The Sports Council does not specifically allocate a proportion of its grant aid for expenditure on sports facilities for the disabled.

Naturally, the Sports Council is aware of the needs of the disabled and grant aid is available both for the provision of special facilities and for the adaptation of existing ones.

Mr. Carlisle

Will my hon. Friend urgently consider requesting the Sports Council to allocate more funds in the International Year of Disabled People to facilities for the disabled? Is he aware that the medium of sport gives the disabled enormous pleasure as well as social benefit? Will he also try to encourage organisations, such as the Kerry Packer organisation, to put more money into sport for the disabled?

Mr. Monro

I agree that we must do all that we can to help the disabled. The Sports Council is playing an important part. This year it is giving £70,000 in the grant allocation. In addition, an estimated £15,000 will go towards Riding for the Disabled and £8,000 to the Amateur Swimming Association for specialist teaching services. The regional councils for sport and recreation are playing a full part in many of the programmes taking place throughout the country in this International Year of Disabled People.