HC Deb 12 January 1981 vol 996 c474W
Sir Frederic Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the Government's policy towards Council of Europe resolution 738 and recommendation 900 on the Olympic Games, adopted by the Assembly on 26 September 1980 and which requests that the Olympic Games should, in future, be held regularly in the neighbourhood on Olympia, Greece.

Mr. Monro

The Government believe that the idea of a permanent site for the Olympic Games could have some merit; but there could also be practical difficulties. In any case the matter is at this stage one entirely for the International Olympic Committee, which has sole responsibility for the Games and in particular, the choice of venue.

It would thus be inappropriate for the Government to take a firm position until the IOC itself has reached a decision and sought our views. I understand that the Committee of Ministers (Permanent Deputies) of the Council of Europe reacted similarly when considering this recommendation and resolution on 12 December last.