§ Mr. PendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many schoolchildren and young persons participated in sporting activities in 1979 and 1989; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the average amount of time devoted to sport and recreation in schools.
§ Mr. EggarThe information requested is not available centrally. The Government fully recognise the importance of sport in schools. The national curriculum working group on physical education has been asked to take account of the contribution which competitive sport can make to the curriculum as a whole. The group's interim report is due to be submitted by the end of the year.