§ 50. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the absence of adequate playing-field 632 accommodation for children attending elementary schools in many urban areas; and whether he will seek powers to make a substantial grant towards the funds of the National Playing Fields Association for the purposes of increasing the facilities for recreation for elementary school children?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Duchess of Atholl)My right hon. Friend is fully alive to the need for more playing-field accommodation for children attending elementary schools in many urban areas, and he is prepared to consider sympathetically proposals for supplying the need. During the last three and a-half years over 500 proposals for providing playing fields, or school sites including playing fields, have been approved by the Board, and a number of similar proposals are now under consideration. As regards the last part of the question, the Board expect shortly to receive a deputation from the National Playing Fields Association to discuss the whole question of increasing the facilities available for elementary school children.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSWhen new elementary schools are being erected, does the Board insist on their having playing fields attached?
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the Noble Lady aware that in various parts of South Yorkshire new or temporary schools are either being erected or fixed up with no playing accommodation at all?