§ 26. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has regarding schools' experience of climbing frames; how many accidents have occurred in the last three years; how many have been fatal; and how many schools use sandpits or mattresses underneath as a protection for children who fall from these frames.
§ Mr. RedheadNone, Sir. Local education authorities equip their schools as they think best, and are not required to inform my right hon. Friend about accidents which occur in the school.
§ Mr. JenkinsThis is a matter of general concern. Is not my hon. Friend aware that, in the London area alone, there has been a large number of accidents, and I myself know of a case in which a child fractured her elbow quite seriously? Ought he not to look into the whole question?
§ Mr. RedheadOn the general question, I can tell my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend is carrying out a sample survey of all accidents in schools during 1965 necessitating half a day's absence from school or more. This will include information about the circumstances of each accident, its nature, and the type and severity of the injuries suffered.