§ Mr. Monroasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what directions he has given to the Sports Aid Foundation since its formation; and if he will make a statement on the resignation of the chairman on 8th December.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe Sports Aid Foundation is an entirely autonomous body and quite outside the political arena. It has therefore been left totally free since its establishment and I have given it no direction. The ex-Chairman of the Foundation was appointed jointly by Sir Robin Brook, Chairman of the Sports Council, and myself. We also appointed three other governors, including the Vice-Chairman, to provide the Foundation with an initial impetus during is formative stage. It was made quite clear at the time that the Foundation would comprise representatives of the 317W Sports Council, the Central Council for Physical Recreation and the British Olympic Association, and that a further eight independent governors would be appointed entirely by the Foundation.