HC Deb 17 May 1972 vol 837 cc113-4W
Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will initiate a scheme for a major multi-sports centre in the north-west of England.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

This is a matter for the Sports Councils, in collaboration with local authorities and other interests.

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advances have been made during 1971 in the provision of additional areas for water recreation in the North-West area during 1971.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Two additional areas of 66 acres and 48 acres respectively are being made available for this purpose in the North-West. Other waterspace areas are being considered by water undertakers in consultation with Regional Sports Councils.

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advances have been made in the provision of jointly used facilities for sport in the North-West area in 1971.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

Twenty dual-provision schemes were under construction in the financial year 1971–72 and I am advised by the North-West Sports Council that there is a welcome increase in the number of such schemes under consideration in the region.

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many army drill halls or other former Ministry of Defence sites have been taken over for sporting purposes since the institution of the North-West Sports Council within the area.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

I understand that 12 former Territorial Army drill halls have been acquired by local authorities for use for sports purposes, in some instances in conjunction with other community uses of the premises. I have no information about other sites formerly used for defence purposes.