HC Deb 18 July 1988 vol 137 cc776-7
11. Mr. Rogers

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to improve the sporting leisure and recreational facilities available to the people of (a) Rhondda, (b) the valleys of South Wales and (c) Wales as a whole.

Mr. Peter Walker

Central Government support to sporting, leisure and recreational facilities is provided primarily through the Sports Council for Wales, the Welsh Arts Council and the Wales Tourist Board. Urban programme support will also be available for worthwhile projects. Developments in the Rhondda and other South Wales valleys will be given added impetus by the recently announced specific programmes announced in the Valleys programme.

Mr. Rogers

Last week, in the debate on sport, the Minister drew attention to the enormous increase in the use of sporting and leisure activities in the past 10 years. After an intervention, and with some bad grace, he acknowledged that that was due to the efforts of local authorities. Will the Secretary of State now acknowledge the enormous contribution made by local authorities in the development of leisure and recreational activities? Will he give an assurance that the facilities in Wales will remain in public hands and not he ripped off for private profits?

Mr. Walker

They will certainly remain in public hands. I am delighted that the various organisations and the servicing of them will be compared with private tenders, but they will remain in public hands. The hon. Gentleman will be delighted at the announcement of the £8.26 million of capital grant in the next three financial years for various leisure and sporting facilities, which will make quite an impact. Of course, local authorities make a major contribution. I am sure that local authorities in Wales are relieved that in recent years 66 per cent. of that contribution was financed by central Government.

Mr. Colvin

Will my right hon. Friend take the opportunity to welcome the new pub hours due to be introduced in Wales by 1 September? Does he acknowledge that the introduction of the Licensing Act will not only add greatly to the facilities available for recreation and leisure in Wales but will enable the courts to crack down on under-age drinking?

Mr. Walker

I certainly welcome any proposals that enable the courts to crack down on under-age drinking.