HC Deb 28 July 1966 vol 732 cc1877-8
25. Mr. Dunn

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made in his Department's discussions with the Liverpool Education Authority towards implementing his recommendation that school playgrounds, playing fields and play centres should be made available and open to children during school holidays and after normal school hours; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Denis Howell

I have asked each Regional Sports Council to carry out a survey of all recreational and sporting facilities within their area and then to consider what action is required to ensure their maximum use by the community. This will include educational facilities and I anticipate that there will be co-operative discussions between local authorities and Regional Sports Councils when the surveys have been completed and studied.

Mr. Dunn

I thank my hon. Friend for that encouraging reply, but would he not agree that there is a need for greater use to be made of existing school buildings and attached playgrounds especially in areas of high density and traffic hazards?

Mr. Howell

I agree about that. I hope that many authorities will consider the possibilities open to them in advance of the survey and discussions which I mentioned in my reply.

Mrs. Braddock

Is my hon. Friend aware that I raised this matter about two years ago, when I asked whether it was possible to instruct local authorities in areas where children had nowhere safe to play, to require school playgrounds to be kept open after school hours'? Has any progress been made in this direction? Certainly none has been made in my constituency.

Mr. Howell

The joint circular was sent out about two years ago to local authorities asking them to consider all these possibilities. I have indicated a course of action which suggests that next year systematically regional sports councils will be holding such discussions, and I hope that these will bring the desired result.