§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the budget for urban aid spending on sport, and the projected spending in 1978–79; and if he is satisfied with the present system of evaluating and monitoring its progress.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThere is no separate allocation for urban programme spending on sport. However, sport projects are eligible for grant, and a number have been approved. Expenditure under the urban programme in England on sport and recreation projects is estimated for 1979–80 at about £13 million. There are no comparable figures for 1978–79.
I am satisfied with the way in which sports projects are evaluated in the Department. Monitoring is normally the responsibility of the local authorities who have financial responsibility for approved projects.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given to the Sports Council on the possibility of its underspending the 1978 budget.
§ Mr. Denis HowellMy advice to the Sports Council is the same this year as in previous years: that it should spend all the money available to it, wisely, for the benefit of sport.
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§ Mr. Watkinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what grants were made by EEC central Governments to sports in 1978, 1977, 1976 and 1975.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThis information is not readily available either in the United Kingdom or in the European Commission. An exercise to gather the necessary data would be lengthy and the cost inordinate.