§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if it is the policy of the Sports Councils to encourage multi-sports clubs so that facilities are economically used to the maximum; if they give additional support to clubs which engage in multi-sport activities; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Denis HowellYes. The Sports Council's memorandum No. 2, which sets out the conditions governing the award of grant to local voluntary organisations, includes as one of the criteria to be taken into account the multi-use of sports facilities. In considering applications for grant the council gives high priority to this factor. The amount of grant is related to the cost of providing the facility.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give an estimate of the upper, lower and average cost of providing an association football, rugby union and hockey pitch by local authorities; if an estimate can also be made of the cost of providing a pitch and shower-bath facilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe Sports Council has provided the following estimates:
Pitches Low Price High Price £ £ Rugby Union 3,400 6,200 Association football 2,400 4,400 Hockey 1,700 3,000 These estimates do not include the cost of land. Costs vary according to site conditions, levels, nature of soil, access, location etc.
The provision of changing and showering facilities is estimated to involve additional costs as follows:
Permanent construction Semi-permanent construction Temporary construction £ £ £ Rugby Union 11,400 9,200 6,200 Association football 9,000 7,300 4,900 Hockey 9,000 7,300 4,900