I am anxious that the substantial investment of taxpayers' money by this Government provides value for money by ensuring that attractive, viable facilities are built. I believe that the increased levels of grant aid now available will be a major boost to local authorities in the development of swimming pools. Swimming is a sport in which most people can participate from a very early age throughout their entire lives. It is a basic, natural and efficient way of taking exercise. The national survey of involvement in sport and physical activity showed that swimming was second only to walking as the most popular form of physical and recreational activity.