To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement about the way PPG17 contributes to the development of sporting infrastructure in England and Wales. [117067]

PPG 17 indicates that local authorities should undertake robust assessments of the existing and future needs of their communities for open space, sports and recreational facilities. Local authorities should then plan to meet those identified needs. PPG 17 also provides strong protection for existing open space, sport and recreational land and building and provides guidance on the location of new facilities. In Wales this is a matter for the Welsh Assembly.