HC Deb 04 April 1995 vol 257 cc999-1000W
Mr. Waller

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to help fund sports ground safety work outside the Football League. [18912]

Mr. Sproat

I am pleased to announce that the trustees of the Foundation for Sport and the Arts have agreed to dedicate up to £8 million a year for sports ground safety work in rugby league, rugby union, cricket and, where appropriate, non-league football, from 6 May 1995. This follows the Government's decision to reduce pool betting duty by 5 per cent., which the pools companies have agreed should enable them to maintain their contributions to the foundation.

Grant aid will be distributed using the well established and effective machinery of the Football Trust. Further details will be announced shortly following consultation between the trust and the relevant sports governing bodies.

For smaller sports clubs with limited finances this is a significant development. For the first time, clubs outside football will be able to apply to the Football Trust for a contribution to carry out important safety work.

I have had many representations from other sports, and from football clubs in the Vauxhall Conference, who feel that they should be able to seek greater financial support from the trust for stadium redevelopment work.