HC Deb 25 October 1994 vol 248 cc525-6W
Mr. Pendry

To ask the Secertary of state for National Heritage (1) when he expects to appoint management consultants to advise him on the sports council reorganisation;

(2) what he estimates to be the likely cost of management consultancy contracts for the Sports Council's reorganisation.

Mr. Sproat

The period of consultation on the Government's proposals end on 31 October. I expect to announce final policy decisions and how these should be implemented shortly after that.

Mr. Pendry

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will extend the consultation period for the reorganisation of the Sports Council to consider the deep concern voiced by local authorities at his proposals.

Mr. Sproat

The consultation period has in effect already been extended from 30 September to 31 October through the addition of children's play to the consultation exercise. I do not propose to extend it further. I shall now be looking very carefully at the views expressed on our proposals before taking final policy decisions.