§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his Department's funding for Welsh sport in(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [8431]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesCentral Government funding for Welsh sport is channelled through the Sports Council for Wales. Welsh Office grant in aid to the Council over the three years has been as follows:
- 1995–96: £6.624 million
- 1996–97: £6.624 million
- 1997–98: £6.596 million.
The Sports Council also receives income from the National Lottery as the body responsible for distributing Lottery proceeds to sport in Wales. Since the Council started distributing Lottery grants in April 1995 almost £24 million has been awarded to support 246 projects throughout Wales.