HC Deb 17 March 1987 vol 112 cc467-8W
33. Mr. Galley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate facilities and opportunities to participate in competitive sport are available for pupils in schools.

Mrs. Rumbold

The Government attach importance to competitive sport in schools and wish all pupils to have opportunity to participate. Following a seminar in November 1986, which was hosted by our Departments, my hon. Friend the Minister for Sport announced on behalf of the Department of the Environment and the Department of Education and Science that a study was being commissioned of the place of sport in the school curriculum. The results of this study will be available to a new group which is being formed as a result of that seminar and which will be based on the physical education advisory panel of the Sports Council. Details of the group's membership and terms of reference will be announced shortly. My right hon. Friend will consider further action in the light of the group's work.