HC Deb 20 May 1974 vol 874 c57W
Dr. Boyson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will arrange for the Minister of Sport to issue guidance to local authorities suggesting that, where there exists a shortage of public baths facilities, available places should be shared on a basis of equality between scholars from State and independent and direct grant schools.

Mr. Denis Howell

My right hon. Friend is of course in favors of the widest possible use of facilities, and of all children having opportunity to learn to swim; but these matters are best left to the local authority which is answerable to its own electorate.