§ Lord BOYD-CARPENTERasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether public funds are being used directly or indirectly to support the proposed attendance at the Moscow Olympic Games of either officials of sports organisations or such athletes as see fit to compete.
§ Lord BELLWINDirect financial support for sport from public funds is channelled through the Sports Council, and the Sports Councils for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. None of these councils is contributing to the British Olympic Appeal Fund from which the British Olympic Association will pay the costs of any British athletes and sports officials who eventually take part in the Olympic Games in Moscow. Neither will they use their grant to finance attendance by way of their own members or officials who may go to Moscow.
However, a number of local authorities are reported to have decided to provide some financial support using their discretionary powers. The Government greatly regret this but the decision is entirely one for the authorities concerned.