§ 14. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what response he has had to the joint circular by his Department and the Education and Science Department relating to the outside use of school facilities for recreation.
§ Mr. CrossmanThere has not been much time for local authorities to negotiate agreements; the joint circular to which the hon. Member refers went out only at the end of August.
§ Mr. ShepherdWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this circular by itself is not likely to produce very effective results? Will he consider the possibility of some financial inducement and the importance of designing new schools so that they are capable of dual use?
§ Mr. CrossmanThat is an extremely good point. We can do a lot in the case of new schools. In the case of old schools, we can hope to expect something from the circular, but not too much as far as indoor facilities are concerned; it is much more difficult to have double use of playing fields.