DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS FACILITIES (Hansard, 9 May 1962)

§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY
My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (EARL JELLICOE)
My Lords, my right honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave a very full and detailed answer to a Question Which was asked yesterday in another place in substantially similar terms to that which the noble Baroness has asked to-day. At this stage I do not think there is anything I can add to what my right honourable friend said.

§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY
My Lords, in thanking the Minister for that reply, I should perhaps declare a personal interest, in that I sit on the executive of the Central Council for Physical Recreation. But while being glad that a start has at last been made in this matter, and while welcoming particularly the modest amount of help given to the governing bodies of sport in administration and coaching, may I ask the Minister whether he is aware that a large number of people in this country Who have given a lifetime of service to sport feel considerable disappointment that the Government have not felt able to recommend the setting up of a Sports Development Council? As the Minister will be aware, in another place yesterday the Chancellor of the Exchequer said—I quote from column 228 of the Commons OFFICIAL REPORT: The question of a Sports Development Council is another matter. Later, he said (col. 229): I will keep that matter under consideration. As I have said, it is being considered. Can the noble Earl amplify that statement and tell us when may we expect to have the results of that consideration?

§ VISCOUNT BRIDGEMAN
My Lords, before my noble friend replies, is he aware that the regret felt at the Government's decision not so far to agree to a national Sports Development Council is not solely confined to the Benches opposite?

EARL JELLICOE
My Lords, I am, of course, aware of the noble Baroness's keen interest in these matters and the contribution which she has made. I am afraid, however, in answer both to the noble Baroness and to my noble friend, that I am not in a position to say anything further than my right honourable 223 friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said yesterday about the Sports Development Council. This particular recommendation is, as he said, under consideration.

§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY
My Lords, may I try to tempt the noble Earl? While this is not a matter of opposition—it is an all-Party matter—may I ask the Minister whether he can press the Government, and in particular the Lord President of the Council, who, if he would not mind my saying so, has been very interested in this for some time past, to do something, as a matter of urgency, on the question of grants for international sport? Does he not consider it undesirable, unfair in the face of competition and, in my opinion, quite disgraceful, that when we send teams overseas to compete in amateur athletics they are entirely dependent on voluntary bodies at this end? Would the Government not consider giving some help here, so that those connected with these voluntary bodies might feel that their efforts were really recognised?

EARL JELLICOE
My Lords, I am only too easily tempted. I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of my noble friend.

§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY
My Lords, as I am a newcomer, perhaps if I put down a Question in a few days' time I might have an Answer.