| Allan Wilson:
I am delighted
to have had this debate and to take on full-frontal the charge that we
are self-congratulatory and are patting ourselves on the back, as Donald
Gorrie said. That is not what we are here to do. The purpose of the debate
is to discuss what is happening in schools with sport and the wider aspects
of more general physical activity. The Executive has been working to improve
the general well-being of our young people and we look to key players to
engage fully in a process that aims to deliver a change in attitude to
the concept of sport and physical activity. That is why we are happy to
accept the Conservative amendment, as it identifies some of those key players
without any ideological bias.
Mr Stone: I
thank the minister for allowing me to intervene—it is a pity that Mr Russell
did not do so.
Does the minister
agree that the doctrinaire approach of two hours' compulsory physical jerks
does not address the real concerns that I and other members have outlined
and that, frankly, the SNP is living in the dark ages?
Ms MacDonald:
On a point of order, Presiding Officer. As someone who is qualified in
physical education, I take great exception to my subject being referred
to as "physical jerks" by that jerk on the other side of the chamber.
The Deputy Presiding
Officer: I do not think that you will be surprised
when I say that that was not a point of order. Please continue, Mr Wilson.
Allan Wilson:
I will not get involved in the to-ing and fro-ing, but I shall answer Mr
Stone's point. When I saw the SNP amendment, I checked that glorious document,
the SNP general election manifesto, whose cover features a doe-eyed John
Swinney and which is the most recent policy document of the NATS. I looked for
the words "school" and "sports" and how many references did I find? [MEMBERS:
"None."] Not a single one.
I judge people
by what they say and by what they do, so I checked up with Angus Council,
which received a 6.9 per cent increase in its grant-aided expenditure last
year. I knew that, on average, there had been a 3 per cent increase in
GAE across Scotland's local authorities in investment in leisure and recreational
facilities. What was Angus's glorious contribution? It was less than the
national average at only 2 per cent—less than a third of the increase in
many councils, such as Glasgow City Council and other Labour-controlled
local authorities.
We take seriously
our responsibility to ensure that the education system produces well-rounded
individuals who will contribute to society. That is made clear in our five
national priorities for education. We are providing opportunities for more
young people to become more active, more often. We are not complacent.
We know that there is more to be done, but we cannot do it alone. Local
authorities have a key role to play and I look to them to play their full
part and to take advantage of the opportunities to which I have referred.
The benefits that are to be gained from being more active are not in doubt.
I hope that with encouragement and a guarantee of fun, which is important,
more and more young people will take part in some form of physical activity.
Some progressive
points have been made in the debate. As Margo MacDonald, Richard Lochhead
and Tommy Sheridan said, visiting PE specialists in primary schools can
make an important contribution to the quality of provision in that area,
particularly when they have the support of class teachers and when there
is consultation and staff development activity. However, there is not yet
a national requirement for education authorities to provide such specialists.
It is therefore up to the education authorities to decide on the allocation
of resources in that area of the curriculum.
Karen Gillon
is right to say that this is about hearts and minds. Cultural change is
required across the spectrum.
Ms MacDonald:
Will the minister take an intervention?
Allan Wilson:
I have very little time left and I have other
important points to make.
On sport for
the disabled in schools, the remit of co-ordinators includes sporting opportunities
for all pupils, including the disabled in mainstream education. Co-ordinators
are appointed in many special educational needs schools. The TOP programme
provides equipment adapted for use by the disabled.
On playing fields,
we are conscious of the need to maintain and enhance facilities for young
people. That does not mean that we are against development per se, but
we must be satisfied that there is a demonstrable case for the loss of
any playing field. Local authorities have a key role in that respect and
should consider preparing a playing field strategy that will help to inform
future development proposals.
"Working Together
for Scotland: A Programme for Government" highlights significant achievements
in sport. Many members have made the point that young people who are fit
and healthy are more able to concentrate, learn and do well in school.
Research highlights the clear links between good health and higher attainment
and achievement.
The Executive's
commitment to raise standards and attainment every year can be achieved
only if we take care of our children's health and accentuate the link between
sport and health. Dennis Canavan and others identified the key, almost
pivotal, role that is played by head teachers and sports organisations
in fostering the mental, physical and social well-being of our children.
He will agree that sport plays an important part in ensuring that every
child has the best possible start in life.
Cathy Jamieson
and others talked about social justice. To achieve social justice, we must
address issues that affect every aspect of life, such as poor health, poor
housing, unemployment, lack of stability, lack of opportunities, isolation
and exclusion from communities. Sport can make a significant impact on
health, community regeneration, social inclusion, education, lifelong learning
and many other areas of Scottish life.
More cultured
members will know that this is national poetry day. As I am the Deputy
Minister for Sport, the Arts and Culture, it would be remiss of me not
to finish with a short poem. It is written in the medieval chanson d'aventure
mode much favoured by Auden. I apologise in advance to all poetry lovers
and to our Liberal colleagues, as it contains some partisan references.
As I was walking
down the street,
I met a Nat
who loves to greet.
Said she, "I
like to girn and groan,
Just like a
dog without a bone.
Today," quoth
she, "my girn will be
That kids in
school don't do PE.
The minister
with my tongue I'll lash,
Demanding another
pile of cash."
Said I, "Yes,
we have a lot to do
And lots of
allocated resources too
For co-ordinators,
fields and games
And academies
for football fame."
At this, the
Nat was sore depressed.
Inside, she
knew that Labour was best
At making sport
in schools succeed
So all a better
life may lead.
So all you Scots
that vote take heed
It's Labour
who know what you need.
The NATS will
moan in history
When we win
again in 2003.
In this debate
on sports promotion,
I ask you all
to support the motion.
Why the NATS
oppose it, who can tell,
So please give
their amendment the soldier's farewell.
To
read this debate in full, click here
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