§ Mr. Clellandasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what action he proposes to take to secure the future national development of children's play in view of Play Board's decision to go into liquidation and the Sports Council's indication that it will not take on the functions of Play Board without the board's agreement;
(2) what representations he has received from the chairman of Play Board following the proposal to merge the board with the Sports Council;
(3) how many representations he has now received concerning the proposal to merge Play Board with the Sports Council;
(4) to which organisation he has allocated the sum of £700,000 budgeted for Play Board for the financial year 1987–88;
(5) how many occasions, and on what dates, the Minister with responsibility for sport has visited offices of Play Board from its establishment to date.
§ Mr. TraceyI have received 120 representations from various organisations and individuals about our proposals to merge Play Board's role and functions with those of the Sports Council. Both organisations agreed last September to enter into negotiations on this.
My consultations with Play Board did not require visits to their offices but I have held meetings and maintained contact with its chairman and other members of the board. In addition my officials have maintained close and regular contact with Play Board's staff.
As part of its grant-in-aid for 1987–88, the Sports Council has been allocated £700,000 for children's play. This sum would have been available to support the work begun by Play Board had the negotiations between the council and the board succeeded.
I regret Play Board's decision not now to support our proposal for the future development of children's play. I remain of the view that the development of play within the structure of the Sports Council represents the best way forward. I am exploring urgently with the Sports Council how best our proposals can be progressed so that effective future arrangements are in place for the greater benefit of children's play.