asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent representations he has had on the proposed merger of the Play Board with the Sports Council; and if he will make a statement.

I have received some 60 representations from various organisations and individuals about proposals to merge the role and functions of Play Board with those of the Sports Council, the reasons for which were set out in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr. Latham) on 26 November, at column 264.