HC Deb 24 November 1997 vol 301 cc381-2W
Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what consultations the Sports Council had with anglers and walkers before deciding to support the opponents of the proposed speed limit on Lake Windermere at the public inquiry; [14604]

Minister Date Location Purpose Cost to nearest £100
Mr. Clarke 12 May-14 May Cannes Support for the British film industry 1,700
Mr. Smith 14 May-16 May Cannes Support for the British film industry 1,500
Mr. Banks 10 June-11 June Paris Support for the FA bid for the World Cup 2006 and attend the Turnoi de France 1,600
Mr. Fisher 28 June-1 July Rome/Luxembourg Attending State opening and Culture Council 1,900
Mr. Fisher 28 July-same day Brussels Meet representatives of the EP Culture and Media Committee 1,600
Mr. Clarke 31 August-3 September Venice/Rome Support for the British film industry/Meeting with Italian DPM 2,600
Mr. Clarke 2 October-5 October Brittany Support for the British film industry 500
Mr. Clarke 8 October-15 October Far East Promotion of British tourism 10,200
Mr. Banks 10 October-same day Rome Support for the FA bid for the World Cup 2006 and attend the England v Italy qualifier 1,600
Mr. Fisher 15 October-16 October Frankfurt Promotion of the British publishing industry and attend the European Book Fair 1,200
Mr. Banks 23 October-30 October USA/Trinidad/Costa Rica Support for the FA bid for the World Cup 2006 9,800
Mr. Smith 21 October-26 October USA Promotion of British creative industries 112,100
Mr. Smith 11 November-same day Brussels Visit to the European Commission 1500
Total 46,800
1 Denotes full figures not yet available.

(2). what was the total cost incurred by the Sports Council in making representations to the public inquiry into the proposed speed limit on Lake Windermere. [14605]

Mr. Banks

The then GB Sports Council (GBSC) consulted a wide range of sports interests groups before deciding to support the opponents of the proposed speed limit upon Lake Windermere. Anglers and walkers organisations included:

  • Salmon and Trout Association;
  • Furness and South Cumbria Fisheries Consultative Association;
  • Northern Federation of Sea Angling Societies;
  • Fly Dresser' Guild;
  • Ramblers Association; and
  • Northumberland Long Distance Walkers' Association.

In 1996–97, the GBSC and its successor, the English Sports Council (ESC) spent £7,200 on the Lake Windermere speed limit issue. In 1997–98 to date, the ESC has spent £4,600. Information on GBSC spending in previous years could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

The Lake District National Park Authority successfully appealed to the High Court to have the original decision not to introduce a speed limit quashed. A hearing took place on 18 November at which the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions did not oppose the Authority's legal challenge. He is now required to re-consider the whole issue afresh and a further round of representations is necessary.