§ Mr. Hepworthasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is satisfied with the present progress of the national fitness campaign; and whether it is proposed to adopt any measures in the near future to accelerate and revitalise the programme?
Mr. Lindsay:The objects of the national fitness campaign are to stimulate a desire for physical fitness and to afford financial assistance towards the provision of additional facilities for physical training and recreation. The large and enthusiastic attendance at meetings and demonstrations arranged throughout the country and the rapidly increasing demand for additional facilities of many kinds show that the first object is being attained. As regards the second, the volume of local schemes for assistance which are now being submitted is a sure indication that a serious effort is being made by local authorities and voluntary organisations to overcome the shortage of existing facilities. Proposals involving capital expenditure amounting in the aggregate to over £1,500,000 have been submitted, and these are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible. Moreover, arrangements have been made for the grant of £200,000 to universities towards the capital cost of the provision of increased facilities and, as I shall indicate in reply to a later question, the provision of the National College for Physical Training is now under way. In these circumstances, my Noble Friend sees no cause for dissatisfaction with the progress of the campaign or for special measures to accelerate it.