HC Deb 21 July 1982 vol 28 cc380-1
3. Mr. Lofthouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has received the Sports Council's publication on its future strategy for sport; what is his policy towards the report's proposals; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Neil Macfarlane)

Yes, I have received this document—"The Next Ten Years". I welcome the Sports Council's appraisal and I hope that all those involved in the provision of sport and recreation in our communities will study it carefully.

Mr. Lofthouse

The Minister will be aware that the Sports Council has put forward three options for funding during the next decade: first, participation; secondly, excellence in sports; and, thirdly, spending money to assist sports facilities. Which option do the Government favour? Have they any special programme for areas such as Toxteth, Bristol and Brixton? As the Government's policies have created 3 million unemployed, and bearing in mind that last week the Chancellor of the Exchequer accepted that the figure would be nearly 5 million by 1990, does the hon. Gentleman accept that the Government have an obligation to provide recreational facilities?

Mr. Macfarlane

The Sports Council and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State attach equal importance to all aspects of the strategy. The three aspects to which the hon. Gentleman referred are of equal importance in many regions. I welcome the fact that the Sports Council has published a clear statement of the objectives. I like the objective to create sporting opportunities for those between the ages of 13 and 24 and 45 and 59. A great deal of work is to be done in planning and preparation.

With regard to Toxteth and Brixton, the Merseyside initiative matches pound for pound. Since 1979–80 just under £16 million has been spent on sport and recreation. In the past year it has increased to just under £23 million, plus £1 million for the Merseyside initiative.

Mr. Stokes

With the greatest respect, does my hon. Friend really believe that the Sports Council is necessary? Could not voluntary bodies do the job better, with a great saving of money?

Mr. Macfarlane

If my hon. Friend appraises the Sports Council's publication, I believe that he will be totally convinced of the need for the Sports Council. It is important to work through voluntary organisations, but, equally, local authorities have a vital role in dispersing funds from the urban aid programme, derelict land grants and the inner city partnership, all of which can help to provide sport and recreation.

Mr. Denis Howell

Was the Minister consulted about the weekend speech of the Chief Secretary to the Treasury calling for the privatisation of recreational services? What does it mean, and how does it fit in with the strategy for sport? What is the Minister's estimate of the increased costs of swimming pools, football and cricket pitches and other sports facilities that will result? Most important of all, what do the Government believe will be the effect if we price sport and recreation beyond the reach of hundreds of thousands of young unemployed?

Mr. Macfarlane

The right hon. Gentleman has been around the House of Commons and the corridors of power for longer than I have.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

Too long.

Mr. Macfarlane

The right hon. Gentleman knows that I cannot give him an answer here and now. No doubt he will approach the Chief Secretary.

There is an important partnership aspect. It is not just a question of the Government generating funds. It is up to the Sports Council, local authorities and others charged with planning sport and recreation to persuade commerce and industry to invest in the local community. That would certainly have a beneficial effect.