§ Mr. Parkerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what so far has been the cost to the Government and the local authorities of the national fitness campaign; how much has been spent on its publicity in the Press and elsewhere; and what has been the cost of the purchase of recreation grounds?
Mr. Lindsay:The total expenditure in connection with the national fitness campaign in England and Wales chargeable to the vote of the Board of Education up to 11th May, 1938, is £59,140. Of this amount £14,517 is in respect of publicity. Expenditure has also been incurred by the Stationery Office in respect of printing and stationery and by the Office of Works for office accommodation and equipment.
Information as to the expenditure of local authorities in connection with the campaign is not available. Grants in aid of the provision, lay-out and equipment of playing fields and recreation grounds are made through the National Playing Fields Association. For this purpose a sum of 150,000 has already been allocated and the allocation of a further sum is now under consideration. My hon. Friend will realise that grants which have already been paid form a very small proportion compared with those which have been recommended and approved.