24. Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to encourage professional sports bodies to invest income from the sale of television rights in local sports facilities. [105960]
§ Mr. Chris SmithMany governing bodies have signed the Central Council for Physical Recreation's Voluntary Code, under which a minimum of 5 per cent. of broadcasting income is invested in grass roots development. The football authorities have recently re-affirmed their commitments to allocating 5 per cent. of future broadcasting revenues in that way. The Government are in detailed discussion with them about how best to ensure that these funds are used to improve the development of grass roots football in England.