§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what conclusions he has reached following consultation on the Government's proposals for reform of the Sports Council. [16377]
§ Mr. DorrellThe creation of separate United Kingdom and England Sports Councils was warmly welcomed by those who responded to the Government's proposals, and I can confirm that, subject to the grant of royal charters, we intend to proceed to set up both councils from 1 January 1996. As previously announced, Mr. Rodney Walker, the current chairman of the Sports Council, will in due course become the chairman of the English Sports Council. I am pleased to be able to announce today that Sir Ian MacLaurin has agreed to join the Sports Council and to serve in due course as chairman of the United Kingdom Sports Council. I am also pleased to be able to announce the other members-designate of the United Kingdom Sports Council:
- UK Sports Council
- Mr. Rodney Walker, Chairman-designate of the English Sports Council
- Mr. Graeme Simmers, Chairman of the Scottish Sports Council
- Mr. Ossie Wheatley, Chairman of the Welsh Sports Council
- Mr. Don Allen, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Sports Council
- Mr. Gary Lineker
- Mr. Rob Andrew
- Mr. Clive Lloyd
- Dr. Sarah Springman
- Mr. Craig Reedie
I would expect the UK Sports Council to work closely with all the appropriate bodies of British sport throughout the UK and in particular with the Central Council of Physical Recreation, the Scottish and Welsh Sports Associations and the Northern Ireland Council of Physical Recreation.
I can also announce today the Government's intention to produce in early summer a White Paper setting out the broader strategic framework for Government policy on sport. It will focus on the development of sporting opportunity for young people, within and outside formal education, and on creating pathways through every stage of sporting activity, including the elite level. This will allow talent to achieve its fullest expression. I have asked the chairmen-designate of the English and UK councils to prepare and submit to me precise definitions of the functions of their respective bodies, taking account of White Paper policies.