HC Deb 21 January 1998 vol 304 cc537-8W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is his assessment of the effect on amateur and junior rugby league of the recent changes to the management of the Super League. [23499]

Mr. Banks

The structure and management of rugby league is a matter for the rugby league authorities. The English Sports Council are working closely with the rugby league authorities, through a Joint Policy Board, which has overseen the establishment of a Youth Commission to develop and promote opportunities for young people to play the game at all levels.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of participation levels in rugby league at all levels of the sport. [23500]

Mr. Banks

According to the governing bodies for rugby league, there are around 1,000 professional rugby league players at 34 professional clubs, and approximately 35,000 amateur rugby league players at 400 amateur clubs in this country. The Government, through the English Sports Council, actively encourage all governing bodies of sport to have programmes in place which promote our policy of "sport for all" and increase participation levels in all sports, from grass roots through to elite competitors.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the current state of rugby league in the light of the recent changes to the senior management of the Super League; and if he will make a statement. [23498]

Mr. Banks

The structure and management of rugby league is primarily a matter for the rugby league authorities, who establish and implement rules and regulations which they consider to be in the best interests of the game as a whole. I am certain my hon. Friend will make his views known and I am always ready to listen to them.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the financial and participative future of First and Second division rugby league clubs. [23501]

Mr. Banks

I have not yet made an assessment and believe it is primarily a matter for the rugby league authorities although I would be interested in discussing the matter at an appropriate All Party Group meeting.