HC Deb 22 February 1988 vol 128 c63W
Mr. Simon Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the training facilities available for Olympic-standard swimmers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moynihan

Most training for Britain's Olympic swimmers takes place at club level, using local swimming facilities. Preparation also includes training and competition experience in 50-metre pools of which there are currently 8 indoor and 23 outdoor in England and Wales. Britain's Olympic swimming squad trains as a group at one of these pools at the Crystal Palace national sports centre. The Sports Council is currently reviewing its strategy on swimming pool provision in discussion with the Amateur Swimming Association, and will be looking at the provision of training facilities for Olympic-standard swimmers and of pools for international competition.