§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what effect he expects his decision to withdraw central support for the children's play and recreation unit to have on research currently being undertaken in Nottingham; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeThe Sports Council will be taking over direct responsibility for a number of the play unit's functions after 31 March 1993. I am not aware that this will effect any research currently being undertaken in Nottingham.
§ Mr. TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the representations he has received concerning future funding for the children's play and recreation unit.
§ Mr. BrookeBetween 3 December 1992, when I made my announcement about future funding for the national children's play and recreation unit (Official Report, column 325) and 15 January 1993, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I have received 21 letters from hon. Members, 20 from local authorities, 24 from voluntary sector play organisations, eight from other organisations and nine from members of the public.
§ Mr. TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what money will be available from grant aid through the Sports Council in 1993–94 for children's play.
§ Mr. BrookeThe Sports Council has agreed to allocate £220,000 to children's play in 1993–94. Further discussions are now taking place between my Department and the council on this basis.
§ Mr. TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what discussions he has had to ensure that there is a national strategy for children's play.
§ Mr. BrookeNone. Decisions on play provision are best taken at local level.