§ 2. Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will take steps to provide an all-weather pitch to every community in excess of 5,000 people using proceeds of the national lottery. [12217]
§ Mr. SproatThe lottery sports fund for Wales has so far supported the provision of 20 all-weather pitches throughout Wales. The English lottery sports fund has so far supported the provision of 149 all-weather pitches, costing more than £11 million. In total, the national lottery has made more than 2,465 awards of some £428 million to provide new, improved and upgraded sports facilities across the UK.
§ Mr. AingerIs the Minister aware that in my county council area, which covers a population of 110,000, there are only two all-weather facilities? Does he accept that the best way of distributing lottery money fairly in terms of improvements to sports facilities is to provide all-weather facilities? That is the view taken by sports development officers. Rather than spending a significant sum on a few individual and high-profile capital investments, is it not about time that we started spreading more lottery money into rural areas and providing basic facilities that take account of Britain's appalling weather?
§ Mr. SproatIt is certainly true that all-weather pitches are an extremely important addition to current sports facilities. Although 20 such pitches in Wales have been provided by the lottery, there are actually 62 all-weather pitches throughout Wales. The hon. Gentleman makes an important point, but all-weather pitches are not the only facilities that need to be provided. Where they are, however, the sports councils for Wales and England will take them fully into account.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayI welcome all new sporting facilities, including all-weather pitches. Is my hon. Friend aware of the serious situation that will arise if the new football stadiums are not taken up in 2006 for the World cup? Is it not a disgrace that Union of European Football Associations has gone behind the Football Association's back to promote Germany rather than this country without telling anyone?
§ Mr. SproatIt is certainly true that Wembley stadium is probably the biggest brand name stadium in the world, and that lottery money will be used to refurbish it to the highest possible standards.
On the other implications of my hon. Friend's questions, I have spoken to the Football Association many times in the past few weeks, and I am seeing its representatives immediately after Question Time.