HC Deb 26 July 1946 vol 426 cc63-4W
Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Education what sums of money were provisionally promised by the Grants Committee of the National Fitness Council under the Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1937, in respect of schemes involving capital expenditure; what sums had been paid to local authorities and voluntary organisations, respectively, at the outbreak of war in respect of such schemes; and whether these bodies will still receive payment of the sums promised on the completion of such schemes.

Miss Wilkinson

The total sum offered up to the outbreak of war in grants under the Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1937, towards the cost of schemes involving capital expenditure was £2,077,536 (£1,366,677 to local authorities and £710,859 to voluntary organisations). Offers of grant were withdrawn when war broke out except where schemes had been completed or definite commitments had been entered into. The actual payments on account of these schemes amounted to £418,577 (£193,632 to local authorities and £224,945 to voluntary organisations). These payments were made as follows: —

Up to the outbreak of war, £245,680 (Local authorities, £92,959: Voluntary organisations, £152,721).

During the war, £172,897 (Local authorities £100,673: Voluntary organisations, £72,224).

It is now open to local authorities and voluntary organisations to re-submit their applications for grant, though these will, in most cases, need some modification in the light of existing conditions. Present arrangements for the submission of applications for grants under the Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1937, as amended by the Education Act, 1944, are set out in Memorandum A.W.I, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.