49. Mr. John Mark Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on progress towards dual use of school sports facilities.
§ Mr. TraceyCommunity or dual use of school sports facilities is one aspect of my overall policy to encourage the wider use of existing facilities in order to help meet the increasing demand for sport and recreation opportunities. Such developments represent obvious value for money. There is already considerable dual use. It is supported by many local education authorities but not universally and I am discussing with my colleagues at the Department of Education and Science how we might achieve further progress of benefit both to schools and to the community. Special funds are available to assist schemes from the Sports Council and the Football Trust.