§ 34. Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will reconsider his decision in respect of an application made by the British Deaf Amateur Sports Association for assistance towards the cost of sending a representative team to take part in the 10th International Games for the Deaf to be held in Washington D.C. from 26th June to 5th July next and authorise the appropriate grant to be made.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe scheme of Government assistance for amateur teams from this country taking part in overseas events is designed primarily for those competing in internationally open events. If grants were made to teams catering for a limited part of the community, save in the most exceptional circumstances—which in my view do not exist in this case—the field would be tremendously widened and in present circumstances this cannot be contemplated.
The decision to which the right hon. and learned Member refers was made after the most careful consideration, and though I have great sympathy with the British Deaf Amateur Sports Association, I do not think the decision can be modified. If, however, the Association has any new evidence which might throw a new light on its application, my right hon. Friend would be willing to have it examined.