§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on publicly funded assistance for people to participate in sport. [42451]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesWelsh Office support for increasing participation in sport by people of all ages and abilities is channelled through the Sports Council for Wales. In 1998–99, the Welsh Office's grant to the Sports Council is £6.6 million.
In addition, the National Lottery is providing excellent sporting opportunities for the people of Wales. Since it began distributing Lottery funds in 1995, the Sports Council has awarded around £30 million to local schemes which provide a wide range of new or improved sports facilities with long lasting benefits for schools and communities throughout Wales.