§ Mr. John CarlisleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to begin consultation on the terms of the order which will bring the management of local authority sport and leisure facilities within the competitive tendering regime provided for in the Local Government Act 1988.
§ Mr. MoynihanA draft order has today been sent to the English and Scottish local authority associations, national sports organisations and other interested bodies for comment. Copies have also been placed in the Library. Consultees are asked to respond by 13 January. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales is undertaking separate consultation with the appropriate Welsh organisations.