HL Deb 15 March 1983 vol 440 c720WA
Lord Hawke

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to encourage further provision of athletic tracks and sports grounds in the areas of high unemployment.

Lord Skelmersdale

The Government are anxious to increase the opportunities for all people to take part in sport, and have therefore sharply increased provision for the Sports Council and under the Urban Programme in recent years. A substantial number of projects and programmes will benefit unemployed people; for example:—

(1) The Government matches £ for £ money raised in the private and voluntary sectors for the improvement of sporting facilities in Merseyside. Over £2 million has been raised in total, and the Sports Council will be running similar schemes out of their grant-in-aid, in Bristol and Tyneside.

(2) The Sports Council are running three pilot schemes in areas of above average unemployment. The schemes are aimed both at improving local facilities, and ensuring that unemployed people are able to take part in activities.

(3) Schemes involving sports facilities are also eligible for urban development grant. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment recently announced the approval of projects at the Nottingham Ice Rink (£161,000), and Kirkby Town Football Club (£99,000).