HC Deb 23 March 1976 vol 908 cc116-8W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence he has of efforts to promote the wider use by the community of facilities already available at major football and cricket grounds in urban areas; and what financial support is being made available to develop such schemes.

Mr. Denis Howell

I understand that the Sports Council has had discussions with more than 20 professional football clubs and county cricket clubs about the wider use of their facilities. Some schemes are already operating with financial support from the Sports Council, local authorities and voluntary bodies. The independent Football Grounds Improvement Trust contributes towards the provision of ground improvements required under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act and, in the longer term, to the provision of facilities at football grounds which will be available to the community as a whole.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence he has that local authorities in England and Wales are making adequate provision for kick-about areas, particularly on their housing estates.

Mr. Denis Howell

Regional Sports Councils have reported that the provision of "kick about" areas is a high priority in the recreation programmes of a large number of urban authorities, and I understand that many inquiries have been received from local authorities about providing such areas.

The position in Wales is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to encourage the wider community use of currently unused private sports grounds in urban areas.

Mr. Denis Howell

The White Paper on Sport and Recreation published last August (Cmnd. 6200) stated the importance of ensuring that the maximum use is made by the community of facilities already available, and stressed the particular importance of this in a period of financial restraint. This is a principle which I have consistently urged for many years. I look to regional sports councils, local authorities and all who are interested in sports development to be constantly on the look out for means of making better use of existing facilities.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those Sports Council grants made during the past three years towards the cost of partnership schemes designed to provide sports and recreational opportunities for both employees of private firms and the community at large.

Mr. Denis Howell

I am informed that the Sports Council has offered grants as follows for partnership schemes£50,000 offered to Bournemouth Association Football Club in November 1973. £22,500 offered to The Squash Rackets Association in January 1975. £50,000 offered to Bristol Squash Rackets Centre Ltd., in February 1975. £25,000 offered to Sunderland Association Football Club in May 1975. £50,000 offered to Tranmere Rovers Football Club in September 1975. £17,500 offered to Durham Squash Club in November 1975.