HC Deb 28 April 1980 vol 983 cc352-3W
Mr. Denis Howell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what additional funds are available for sports staging alternative events to the Olympic Games; what criteria will have to be met to qualify for such funds; who will administer this scheme; and under what statutory provision such funds will be made available.

Mr. Monro

As my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office indicated during the Adjournment debate on 21 April, decisions on whether alternative events will be staged depend, first, upon the number of governing bodies that decide to boycott the Moscow Games, and, secondly, on the extent to which competitors wish to take part in compensatory events. The position is still fluid, but more countries are coming out in favour of a boycott.

Thus, no specific request has yet come from any governing body for financial support for staging or participating in such events, although a number of preliminary discussions have been held. As was also mentioned in the Adjournment debate, we are ready to give modest financial help for these events, if it is wanted. In these circumstances it is too early to answer what at this stage are hypothetical questions.

Mr. Denis Howell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment on what dates the Sports Council and the Central Council of Physical Recreation were consulted about the proposed scheme to provide alternative events to the Olympic Games; and, in each case, what advice was received from these organisations.

Mr. Monro

Alternative events will be arranged—and then by governing bodies of sport—only if there is a demand for them from the governing bodies and competitors not going to the summer games in Moscow. The situation is constantly changing, and the Government have merely sought to express their support, both moral and financial, for such events if needed.

In such a situation, the most productive way to proceed has been, and is, for governing bodies individually to deal direct with Ministers. Advice was obtained from the Sports Council in the earlier stages about possible locations for events in the United Kingdom. But the main dialogue has generally been direct with governing bodies.