HC Deb 08 April 1982 vol 21 cc472-3W
Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the recent visit by the Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for sport to Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

Mr. Macfarlane

I visited Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire as part of a series of visits I am making to the regions to see examples of good practice in the design and management of sport, recreation and leisure facilities.

I visited En-Tout-Cas to discuss, and look at artificial playing surfaces and to learn of latest research and development.

I visited the Leicester indoor bowls centre, which is a fine example of voluntary enterprise leading to a virtually self-sufficient club, and sustaining 1,500 members.

I visited the Braunstone sports centre and the new sports complex at Granby halls, which shows how old buildings can be converted for recreational use; and which has great potential for a range of sports.

I visited the Rushcliffe leisure centre, which illustrates how careful planning and co-operation between everyone concerned can lead to a successful joint provision of sports facilities for schools and the community.

I paid a brief visit to the Keyworth table tennis/cricket club and then to the football and the community scheme being run at Notts County FC which shows how responsible football clubs can respond to the needs of their locality. My visit to the East Midlands region concluded at the Nottingham sports club for the disabled.