HC Deb 14 January 1971 vol 809 c91W
Mr. Milne

asked the Minister of State for Defence what sport and recreational facilities are made available to Her Majesty's Forces serving abroad; what direct cost is involved in this; and how far the normal facilities of units are used to provide these leisure-time activities.

Mr. Lambton

A wide variety of sport and recreational facilities is provided for members of the Forces serving abroad. The number and type available at any particular unit depends largely on its size and location.

To promote and maintain a high standard of physical fitness within the Services, facilities and some equipment for the physically demanding activities such as soccer, cricket, rugby, hockey, squash and tennis are provided from public funds. Non-public funds, such as the Nuffield Trust and Service charities, bear the cost of providing facilities for other sporting activities such as sailing, horse riding, gliding and golf although officially approved clubs formed to pursue these activities during off-duty periods are allowed free use of available accommodation and facilities such as light and heat.

The marginal cost of any facilities provided from public funds is not identifiable without disproportionate effort.

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