§ Mr. Nigel EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what measures he is taking to promote community-based sports programmes in England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeThe Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, is active in promoting and funding community-based sports programmes. In 1992–93 they provided over £13 million to assist the development of over 500 projects. The business sponsorship incentive scheme for sport launched in November 1992 aims to increase the amount of business sponsorship going into grass roots sport including community-based projects. The scheme has a budget for Great Britain of £3.7 million in 1993–94. In addition schedule 12 to the Education Bill will enable school governing bodies to enter into joint management agreements for the community use of school facilities.