Paul Rowen quizzed Government on missing millions

Date published: 20/03/2006

Paul Rowen has quizzed Government Ministers about the missing millions of public money in the sport of Rugby League.

During Culture, Media and Sport Questions in the House of Commons, Paul asked:

“In December 2004 the Minister announced the creation of a National Sports Foundation which would be used to support development of sport including £2.5million for Rugby League. However no money has yet been allocated. Could the Minister explain why?”

The Minister replied that they had not decided how the money would best be spent.

Speaking after the debate, Paul said: “Since the Government announced this scheme, not a single penny of the National Sports Foundation has been spent on improving Rugby League.

“£2.5million is a lot of money, and it would be better used encouraging people to play the sport, and making sure that good facilities are available, than being sat on by the Government. Instead, the Government can’t even decide the criteria for how the money should be awarded – talk about moving the goalposts!

“Voluntary groups and local sports clubs are used to jumping through hoops to get public money, but it shouldn’t be that way. Local clubs should be encouraged to keep on doing what they do best – and improve on it – not forced to fill in endless forms.

“I know from Rochdale Hornets, that the investment would be well-used – making sure that as many people as possible get to enjoy this sport and making sure that young talent is encouraged.

“Sadly, it’s a common story. It’s all very well holding press conferences and creating headlines about the next Government initiative, but all too often they’ve forgotten about what they’ve already promised!"