Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals the Sports Council of Northern Ireland has to increase sporting contacts with(a) Scotland and (b) the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement about the present policy of the Sports Council towards promotion of co-operation within the United Kingdom. [19756]
§ Mr. AncramThe Sports Council for Northern Ireland has no proposals to increase sporting contacts with Scotland or the Republic of Ireland, as arrangements already in place are felt to be appropriate and adequate.
The policy of the Sports Council for Northern Ireland is to promote co-operation within the United Kingdom, both in general and in relation to specific issues. Accordingly, the chairman and chief executive attend the meetings of the Great Britain Sports Council, and bilateral contacts with individual home country sports councils are pursued as appropriate on specific issues.