§ 2.35 p.m.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have now examined and reached a decision upon the problem of helping individual governing bodies and organisations concerned with competition in amateur international sport on a financially reciprocal basis; and whether they will make a statement.]
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND MINISTER FOR SCIENCE (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)My Lords, the question of new procedure for Government assistance for participation in international sport is still under examination, and, meanwhile, applications continue to be considered individually on their merits. I am advised, however, that payments on the basis suggested by the noble Lady would in most cases be unlikely to provide a workable solution.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, it has fallen to me to put the first Question to-day, and, while recognising that I am a very junior Member of your Lordships' House, I hope the House will not think me presumptuous if I say to the noble Viscount the Lord President of the Council how very glad we are to see him back, and congratulate him.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYWith regard to the noble Viscount's Answer, may I ask him whether 982 he is aware that there is considerable disappointment among organisations which have made application, because help does not seem to be forthcoming; and whether he will pursue still further this knotty problem with a view to ascertaining whether we really can reach some desirable solution?
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lady very much for her generous welcome. Yes, I will see what can be done, but I cannot give any promises this afternoon.
THE EARL OF GOSFORDMy Lords, may I, too, congratulate my noble friend on his safe return, and on his very fine efforts? May I ask him whether he is aware of the fact, and whether he will look into the position, that the application by the British University Sports Federation for help towards sending a team to the World University Games at Brazil this summer, which was strongly recommended by the Foreign Office, was turned down; and that the French and the Germans are each sending 60 competitors, thanks to the help of their Governments, whereas we are able to send only 35, thanks to the generosity and help of firms which have trade in Latin America? May I further ask my noble friend whether this is not exactly what we were afraid of when we had the debate initiated by the noble Baroness on this very subject—that, by not setting up a body with some knowledge of sport, this sort of decision would in fact be taken?
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, it is a rather complicated question, but I will look into the matter. I should like to thank my noble friend also for his generous remarks.