HC Deb 19 July 1995 vol 263 cc1457-8W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what information she has about the financing of sport in other advanced countries. [36218]

Mr. Sproat

Comprehensive information on the financing of sport in other countries is not available.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what funds are available for improving(a) sports facilities, (b) sports equipment and (c) sports tuition in Southwark. [35935]

Mr. Sproat

Funding for improving sports facilities, sports equipment and sports tuition throughout the country is available from the Sports Council, Sportsmatch, and the Foundation for Sport and Arts. Capital projects are also eligible for funding from the national lottery.

Proposals in the sports policy statement, published last Friday, include increased investment in coaching for teachers with the opportunity for them to acquire coaching qualifications, a further £1 million to be provided by the Sports Council for coaching opportunities via the National Coaching. Foundation and the governing bodies of sport, and a new £2 million challenge fund for promoting links between schools and clubs.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment she has made of the means by which funding for mass participation in sport will be generated as a result of changes to the Sports Council; and what the main sources of income are expected to be. [34769]

Mr. Sproat

I would expect local authorities to continue to encourage sporting and recreational opportunities for the public at large as they always have done. The Sports Council is not a significant provider in this area—the main provision has always been by local authorities, with expenditure of approximately £950 million. Our aim is that the Sports Council should operate in the areas to which it is uniquely suited and can add greatest value to the overall picture. Of course, the Sports Council will consider applications to the national lottery from local authorities and others in support of projects offering a wider appeal.