§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what discussions her Department has had with (i) the Central Council for Physical Recreation, (ii) the British Universities Sports Association, (iii) the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals and (iv) the National Union of Students regarding(a) the encouragement of sport among young people, (b) the availability of resources for sport and physical recreation within the further and higher education sector and (c) Britain's preparations for the 2000 Olympics. [17412]
§ Mr. Sproat[holding answer 26 February 1997]: I had discussions with the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, the Standing Conference of Principals and the Further Education Funding Council prior to publishing the sports policy statement, "Sport: Raising the Game", in July 1995. These discussions formed the basis of chapter 3 of the policy statement, which included undertakings by the three organisations to provide a more detailed picture of provision for sporting opportunities and sports facilities in the further and higher education sectors. The FEFC report was published in June 1996 and the CVCP/SCOP report was published in December 1996. These reports highlighted best practice and made proposals which, if pursued, will be in the interests of the institutions and their students.
The United Kingdom Sports Council is intending to explore greater associations with universities, especially in relation to the British Academy of Sport. The UKSC has not as yet had any specific discussions with the Central Council of Physical Recreation, the CVCP or the National Union of Students on the three issues raised, but recognises that they must count as possible partners in any joint approach to the future development of student sport.