§ 3.17 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 when it is intended to make the Sports Council an independent body responsible for the grant-aiding functions at present exercised by the Government.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)My Lords, the Government's attitude to the Sports Council remains as set out in our Election Manifesto. But as the noble Lady is aware, being herself a member of the Sports Council, we are currently engaged in consultations about the future composition and functions of the Council. No decisions will be taken until these consultations have been completed.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, I am grateful for the Minister's reply. May I ask him whether he is aware that for some 15 years I have been fighting for this principle, long before the Sports Council was established? 190 Is he further aware that many people concerned with sport, not only I myself, believe that the Sports Council should be independent, as is the Arts Council, and that no Minister, however capable, should be its Chairman? Finally, if I have understood correctly the trend of the Minister's reply, may I ask him whether, if I were to put down a Question at some later date, the House could expect a definite reply and an affirmative one?
§ LORD SANDFORDMy Lords, I think that the whole House will be aware of the crusade in which the noble Baroness, Lady Burton of Coventry, has been engaged. All I would ask her to do is to be patient for just a little longer, if she would be so kind.
§ BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRYMy Lords, that would be very little after 15 years. I thank the noble Lord.
§ LORD BYERSMy Lords, would not the noble Lord agree that it would make much more sense to have this as an independent body?