§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what discussions his Department has held with the Scottish Office, the Welsh Office and the Northern Ireland Office concerning the appointment of a chairman or chairwoman of the United Kingdom Sports Council; and if he will make a statement. [2753]
§ Mr. Banks[holding answer 9 June 1997]: Further to my reply to the right hon. and learned Member for Sleaford and North Hykeham (Mr. Hogg) of 21 May, Official Report, column 69, I can confirm that my right hon. Friend invited Sir Rodney Walker, chairman of the English Sports Council, to take on temporarily the role of acting chairman of the United Kingdom Sports Council following consultation with the home country Departments. He will be consulting home country Secretaries of State to confirm the appointment of a full-time successor to Lord MacLaurin of Knebworth as chairman of the United Kingdom Sports Council. A further statement will be made in due course.