§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment which local councils have decided to put out to 154W private tender their foreshore amenities such as hiring of deck chairs; and if he will issue a circular to local councils advising them to follow this practice.
§ Mr. FoxThe information is not available centrally. I hope that the authorities concerned will examine the possible advantages of proceeding in this way, where they do not already do so. I do not think that the subject is appropriate for a circular.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Environment if he will issue a circular to local authorities advising them to sell off their recreation facilities, such as swimming pools, saunas, tennis courts and bowling greens.
§ Mr. FoxNo. This is a matter for the local authorities to decide in the light of local circumstances. But I urge all authorities who do not already do so to consider actively whether there might be advantage to them and to the public in involving the private sector in the provision of services such as these.