HC Deb 11 February 1976 vol 905 cc248-9W
Mr. Frank R. White

asked the Secretary of State for Wales, in view of the importance of sport and recreation to the life of the community, if he will increase the grant paid to the Welsh Sports Council to an amount equal to that paid to the Arts Council for expenditure in Wales.

Mr. Barry Jones

The extent of central Government support to such bodies depends on the range and scope of activities they embrace, the priority accorded to each activity and the total resources available.

Mr. Frank R. White

asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what will be the total grant paid to the Sports Council for the coming financial year, and what is the total grant paid to the Arts Council for the same year;

(2) if he will list the total grants paid to the Sports Council and the Arts Council in Wales over the last five years; and if he will express these amounts per head of population.

Mr. Barry Jones

Responsibility for grant-aid to the Arts Council lies with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. The amount of grant to be made available to the Sports Council for Wales in the next financial year has yet to be determined. The grant awarded to the Council since its inception are shown below:

Total Grant £000 Estimated amount per of head of population £
1972–73 400 0.15
1973–74 570 0.21
1974–75 750 0.27
1975–76 910 0.33