§ 12. Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what consultations he has held with staff at the Sports Council concerning the creation of the United Kingdom Sports Commission and the Sports Council for England.
§ Mr. BrookeI have had no such discussions. The Sports Council is responsible for its own day-to-day management, including employee relations, and I understand that it is currently discussing the implications of the reorganisation with its staff.
§ Mr. BarnesWhen will the Sports Council be given the go-ahead to engage in the reorganisation that it proposed, which involves staff restructuring? The Secretary of State's answer was disgraceful. He should be involved in the discussions. Some people do not want to dither and dodge, as the Secretary of State's Department does, so the Sports Council should be allowed to go ahead with the reorganisation.
§ Mr. BrookeI received broad proposals regarding the functions and resources of the successor bodies towards the end of last year, and the detailed staffing proposals in support of them during January. My officials have been involved in detailed discussions with the Sports Council to ensure that the proposed package provides the best value for money. In the light of these discussions, I expect shortly to receive revised proposals from the Sports Council.