HL Deb 17 January 1967 vol 279 cc4-5

2.38 p.m.

VISCOUNT ST. DAVIDS

My 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 can give figures for the average capital and income costs per head and per attendance of equipping and running of youth clubs.]

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, no records are available for the average income per head or for the average cost of equipping and running of youth clubs. But the Department of Education and Science lays down cost limits for mixed clubs and school youth wings of £ 188 net and £97 net respectively per unit of average nightly attendance.

VISCOUNT ST. DAVIDS

My Lords, I thank the noble Lady for that very useful reply, which I think merits further consideration. I should reveal that I have an interest in this matter in that I am the warden of a youth club which is established on the Regent's Canal—on the waterway. Will the noble Lady, and possibly the Treasury, consider examining these clubs, because our figures of costs required are considerably less—in fact they are much less than half of any sum she has mentioned.

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, I will certainly refer to the Department the matter of the club which the noble Viscount runs—and many of us have great admiration for his work. We would also hope that perhaps the local education authority might assist him in his project in another connection.