§ 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 a decision has now been reached concerning their intention to make the Sports Council an independent grant-aiding body.]
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, I appreciate the concern of the noble Baroness about this matter. A statement will be made as soon as practicable.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, while we have a variety of Ministers we never get a satisfactory Answer to this Question. While realising that the noble Lord is not responsible for the fact that there is no firm answer to-day and apologising to the House for tedious repetition, may I ask him whether he is aware that I have no alternative but to continue to put down Questions, hoping that one day the Government Front Bench and I will not only travel hopefully but arrive?
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, I assure the noble Baroness that I hope her wish will be granted. Our next to-morrow will be her next Question on this subject.
THE LORD BISHOP OF CHESTERMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that people concerned with the organisation of sport are very much looking forward to this announcement? Will he ensure that an answer is expedited as soon as possible?
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, I can assure the right reverend Prelate that we are having discussions at this moment with the Central Council of Physical Recreation and with the Regional Sports Councils, who have to be consulted.