§ 24. Mr. Scottasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is satisfied with the present provision of play space in new housing developments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GreenwoodA recent survey by the Department showed that three quarters of the authorities in the sample are making some provision on new estates. We have the need for play provision in mind when considering new housing schemes at layout stage. I shall consider the form further guidance might take when the study at present being undertaken by the Department is completed.
§ Mr. ScottSince the bulk of comprehensive development in the public sector will take place in educational priority areas, which are supposed to have priority for nursery education, should we not ensure that in all large-scale new development such provision is included, because it is incredibly expensive to provide after the initial building has been done?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI will certainly take this into account. I know that my right hon. Friends who are equally involved in the priority programme will also do so. This is a matter of the most tremendous importance. It is something on which we have done a great deal of research in the Ministry, and the cost yardsticks do allow for the Parker Morris recommendations in this respect. I will gladly send the hon. Gentleman some of the material produced by the Ministry on this subject.
§ Mr. DunnWill my right hon. Friend also examine with some urgency the question of providing play space in underprivileged areas, thereby relating it to the new plans for rebuilding educational establishments, which his colleague has mentioned?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI will. That is probably what the hon. Member for Pad-dington, South (Mr. Scott) had in mind. I have circulated to local authorities a Memorandum from the National Playing Fields Association, setting out the general standard we would like them to observe in these matters and we shall be giving them further guidance, I hope, in about 12 months.