§ 2. Mr. KilfoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what consultations he has had on future national arrangements for children's play.
§ Mr. SproatWe are looking at options for children's play as part of our review of the Sports Council's structure and functions. We shall consult widely before deciding on any new national support arrangements.
§ Mr. KilfoyleThe Minister will be aware of recent publicity suggesting that children's sedentary life style is storing up a huge future incidence of heart disease in the population. Does he agree that a wide range of play activities is essential for the social and physical well-being of future generations and prepares them for more formal team sport activities at school and in other organisations? Will he commit the Government to supplementing and complementing the excellent work already being done in play activities by local authorities?
§ Mr. SproatI thank the hon. Gentleman for his helpful remarks about the importance of fitness and team sports among school children. I agree with him whole-heartedly. As for supplementing the work done by local authorities, the Sports Council is spending some £300,000 on children's play. I am looking at the role that the Sports Council will or will not continue to have in supporting children's play around the country in succeeding years.
§ Mr. Anthony CoombsIn view of the Allied Dunbar, Health Education Authority survey on children's fitness, does my hon. Friend agree with the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Mr. Kilfoyle) that children's sport in schools is especially important? What progress is my hon. Friend making with the Department for Education in his efforts to ensure that more competitive sport is played in schools?
§ Mr. SproatThe entire Government are convinced of the importance of sport in schools. We are engaged in a series of discussions with the Department for Education, which is responsible for education, and my Department, which is responsible for sport, to see how we can best advance the cause.