§ Kate HoeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what action she has taken to ensure that access to public swimming pools in London increases; [186923]
(2) what action she (a) can and (b) will take to increase the number of swimming pools in London. [186924]
§ Mr. CabornSport England is working with the Amateur Swimming Association on an agreed strategy "From Armbands to Gold Medals" to support the development of swimming in London and across the country.
At present, Sport England is working with the Greater London Authority (GLA), London Development Agency (LDA) and London 2012 on the provision of new swimming facilities in Stratford which will be built whether the Olympic bid is successful or not.
Sport England is also working to encourage greater investment in privately owned swimming facilities that provide public access.
Under the Community Club Development Programme, the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) will receive £1.6 million from the Government's Capital Modernisation Fund to invest strategically in community swimming clubs in all parts of the country.
The overall aim of the programme is to both increase and widen participation in sport at a local level and encourage an active lifestyle. It is expected that this programme will help to raise the number of people, particularly juniors, involved in competitive sport and will also help to improve the health of the nation through encouraging people of all ages to become involved in the sport of their choice.
§ Kate HoeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many(a) public lidos and (b) swimming pools have closed in London since 1997. [186925]
§ Mr. CabornSince 1997, three public lidos and five swimming pools have closed.
Of the five swimming pools that have closed, one is due to be replaced in 2005 (Swiss Cottage Baths).
There are currently 104 pools in London open to the public. This includes two pools that are currently run independently of local authorities, but fully open to the public (these are Brockwell Lido and Hampton outdoor pool).
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many public swimming pools there are in Coventry, South. [187302]
§ Mr. CabornThere are 18 swimming pools within a five-mile distance of the CV1 postcode in Coventry, South. Full details of all public swimming pools in the area can be found by visiting the Active Places website at www.activeplaces.com