Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will launch a national media campaign(a) to make children aware of water safety and (b) to encourage them to learn to swim. [41452]
§ Mr. BanksSwimming has my full support, as it is one of our healthiest recreational pursuits. I am keen to see children participate at the earliest possible opportunity and through the English Sports Council, the Government are encouraging the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) to provide an opportunity for everyone to learn to swim. The ASA receives £215,000 grant-in-aid from the English Sports Council, and a proportion of this money helps to fund this initiative.