HC Deb 05 November 2001 vol 374 cc62-3W
16. Mr. Hepburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to give children more opportunities to participate in sport in the community. [10035]

Mr. Caborn

My Department has a PSA target to raise significantly year on year the average time spent on sport and physical activity by those aged six to 16. A key element of the School Sport Co-ordinator programme, which will see a network of 1,000 co-ordinators in secondary schools across the country, is to encourage better links between schools and community sports clubs. We will also ensure that facilities refurbished or built under the Space for Sport and Arts initiative and the New Opportunities Fund's PE and School Sport programme will be available for both school and community use. In addition, Sport England's Active Sports programme aims to work through local centres, coaches and clubs to enable young people to participate in sport more frequently, improve their skills and compete at various levels.

28. Mr. Kidney

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the facilities available for sport in the community. [10049]

Mr. Caborn

Sport England estimates that there are over 6,300 sports hall and swimming pool facilities and approximately 500 synthetic turf pitches in England which meet Sport England's minimum standards in terms of size and community access. In addition there are many smaller community indoor facilities which are used for a range of community activities other than sport.