§ Mr. Taverneasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans exist for the development of a national recreation centre for sailing at Cowes; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. CroslandWith financial support from the Department, the Central Council of Physical Education has bought a site on the River Medina at West Cowes, and plans have been approved to develop it to form a National Sailing Centre, which is expected to open in the autumn. The centre will have sleeping accommodation of cabin type for approximately 70 people, and will possess its own fleet of sailing craft and facilities for maintaining them. It will provide a range of activities for school and youth groups and for adults. Among the courses will be sailing, boat handling, cruising, racing, navigation, boat maintenance and boat building. Organisations will also be able to arrange their own courses under the guidance of the centre's staff. The cost of the site and its initial development will amount to about £85,000, towards which the Government has already promised a substantial contribution. The Central Council of Physical Recreation is launching an appeal for capital funds to develop the centre, and would welcome financial assistance from those who wish to foster an interest in sailing among young people.