§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration his Department has given to the study by Felix Walter, F.R.I.B.A., of the design of sports centres and swimming pools, with particular reference to the needs of the physically disabled, a copy of which is in his possession ; what recommendations he will be making to local authorities about this study; if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsI welcome any effort to enable the physically handicapped to join fully in sporting activities.
The Technical Unit for Sport were consulted by Mr. Felix Walter during his study and commented on successive drafts of the booklet; when asked for advice on the design of sports projects by local authorities and their consultants, they already draw attention to the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970 and in future they will include Mr. Walter's booklet as well. Regional Sports Councils are also being asked to bring the booklet to the notice of local authorities in their regions, and a forthcoming issue of the Sports Development Bulletin which is published by the Central Council for Physical Recreation, and has a wide circulation to sports bodies of all kinds, will contain an article on his study.