§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much is being spent on sport by his Department, compared with May 1979, in real and cash terms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorMy Department is responsible for grant in aid to the Sports Council (GB). The table shows that there has been a significant increase in grant in aid to the council in both real and cash terms.
In addition to this, a new business sponsorship scheme for sport, which will provide £3 million per annum for sport in England, is to be established this year.
Grant in aid to the Sports Council (Great Britain) £ million Year Cash At 1992–93 prices 1979–80 15.580 37.798 1992–93 48.762 48.762 A further £55 million, to be channelled through the Department of the Environment, has been committed to sport in support of the Manchester Olympic bid. Government funding for sport is also provided through unhypothecated revenue support grant to local authorities and the Department of the Environment's inner-city programmes. The three territorial sports councils also receive grant in aid from their respective sponsoring Departments.
230WBy reducing the rate of pool betting duty, an extra £60 million per annum has been made available to sport through the foundation for Sport and the Arts and the Football Trust.