§ Mr. Macfarlaneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress his Department has made in developing centres of sporting excellence as outlined in the White Paper.
§ Mr. Denis HowellWidespread and positive interest has been expressed in my proposals for the development of centres of excellence. I am chairing a working party which is carrying out a detailed study of the problems involved and getting in touch with individual institutions of higher education about the contribution they can make to assist talented sportsmen and sportswomen.
§ Mr. Macfarlaneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he has had to his recent request for sports councils to provide more kick about areas; and if he will report progress.
§ Mr. Denis HowellIt is normally for the local authority concerned to provide kick about areas. The rôle of the sports 143W councils is to encourage, and where appropriate to assist, such provision. There is a growing awareness among local authorities of the need. I am informed that a number of projects are under consideration and two have already been offered grant by the Sports Council.
§ Mr. Macfarlaneasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when the most recent discussions took place between his Department, the Secretary of State for Defence and the Sports Council on cooperation between their establishments and local sports clubs; and how many times they met in 1975.
§ Mr. Denis HowellA working party consisting of representatives of the Ministry of Defence, the Sports Council and of my Department met in January and September last year. Its next meeting is planned for March.