HC Deb 24 July 1987 vol 120 cc717-8W
Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what statistical or other evidence the Government have as to the number of local authority swimming pools which have been (a) closed and (b) opened over the past 10 years.

Mr. Chope

In 1977 a total of 894 public indoor pools and 229 public outdoor pools were operating in England. The respective figures for 1984 are estimated to be 950 and 167. Comprehensive information for the period 1984 to 1987 is not yet available, but in 1984 43 new indoor pools were planned for construction by 1987. A number of poorer quality pools have been closed in recent years but the closure rate is now declining.

Mr. Squire

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has as to how many local authority swimming pools in England and Wales can be classified as free form leisure pools and as to how many local authority traditional pools now include leisure equipment.

Mr. Trippier

The figures requested are provided in the table:

Mr. Moynihan

It is estimated that there are 45 local authority free form leisure pools in England and Wales. Information on the number of local authority traditional pools containing leisure equipment is not available.