§ Sir S. McAddenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the present position with regard to the Foot-funds have been raised so far and from ball Ground Improvement Trust; what which sources; whether any distributions have been made and to whom; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe Football Ground Improvement Trust is an independent trust formed by the Football League and the Pools Promoters Association. I am informed the Trust has raised about £3 million to date.
The Pools Promoters Association provides the Trust with 12 per cent. of its income from spot the ball competitions and I am pleased to acknowledge this generosity and its value to those clubs so far designated under the 1975 Safety of Sports Grounds Act. I was very pleased to accept an invitation to present a cheque to Ipswich Town Football Club, on the morning of this year's Cup Final, which brought the total finance so far distributed to designated clubs to above £1 million.
It is hoped that after matters of ground safety have been given a first priority, the Trust will be able to assist with more general ground improvements and later with the provision of community sports facilities under the auspices of football league clubs.