HC Deb 20 December 1971 vol 828 cc261-2W
Mr. Denis Howell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the terms of reference that he has laid down for the Sports Council designate to pursue in its negotiations with the Central Council of Physical Recreation; and if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT these terms of reference and the Ministerial directive or memorandum which he has asked the Sports Council to follow in these negotiations.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Discussions have been taking place since last June in a working party of representatives of the C.C.P.R., of the D.O.E. and of the Sports Council-designate. No directive has been issued to the Sports Council-designate but the guiding principle of these discussions is the best interests of sport. Last July the C.C.P.R. informed me that its executive committee had approved a resolution to accept in principle the decision of the Government to set up an independent Sports Council and to aim at a merger with the C.C.P.R. The C.C.P.R. sought assurances about the carrying on of the work of the national centres; about the continuance of a forum for consultation with national voluntary organisations of sports and physical recreation; about the appointment of members of the C.C.P.R. Executive to the Sports Council; and about the interests of its staff. The working party sees no problems on the first three of these items and good progress is being made on the last.

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