Physical Training and Recreation Act (Grants)

HC Deb 18 March 1957 vol 567 cc22-3W

Mr. C. Hughes

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education if he will take steps to increase the grants under the Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1937, from £2,000 to 3,000.

Sir E. Boyle

I assume the Question relates to village halls. £2,000 is sufficient in most cases to cover a third of the cost, the proportion normally borne by the Ministry in voluntary schemes of this kind. Where a village wants some special amenity my noble Friend thinks it reasonable that it should find the extra cost itself, having regard to the need to distribute as fairly as possible the public funds available.