HC Deb 11 November 1997 vol 300 c466W
Mr. Edward Davey

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of tennis clubs in England during each of the last 25 years. [15147]

Mr. Banks

According to the Lawn Tennis Association's (LTA) Survey of 1996, there are a total of 3,200 tennis clubs in England of which 2,400 are affiliated to the LTA. This compares against 2,700 LTA affiliated clubs 25 years ago.

Mr. Edward Davey

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much lottery funding has been provided to local tennis clubs to secure the freehold purchase of their existing grounds. [15151]

Mr. Banks

The English Sports Council has made awards totalling £184,649, to two tennis clubs to assist with the freehold purchase of their existing grounds.

Mr. Edward Davey

To ask the Secretary of State for culture, Media and Sport how many people in England he estimates play tennis; and what have been the trends over the last 25 years.[15150]

Mr. Banks

According to the Lawn Tennis Association's (LTA) Survey of 1996, there are 4.5 million people who play tennis in England, of which 1.75 million play regularly (once a fortnight or more). I understand that the LTA have not kept records of tennis participation levels for the last 25 years.

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