Scottish Labour’s Bill Butler has welcomed the Scottish Government’s
announcement that £800,000 will be invested in swimming lessons for
primary pupils, but called on the SNP to deliver on its pledge to
provide children with free access to council pools.

Labour’s Shadow Sport Minister Bill Butler said:

"Before they came to power, the SNP promised to increase children's
participation in sport through free access to swimming and two hours
of PE a week at school provided by PE specialists, but they have yet
to deliver on these pledges.

"We are only four years away from hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
It is really important that we encourage young people to adopt
healthier lifestyles and swimming is a great activity.

"Everyone will welcome extra money to provide primary pupils with
swimming lessons, but I would also like to see more Scottish councils
given the resources to enable them to provide school children with
free year-round access to council swimming pools."

2 September 2010