§ Q2. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Prime Minister if he will co-ordinate a study by the Departments of the Environment, Education and Social Services to ensure that accommodation for play/groups is provided near their homes for families with young children, and, in particular, that outline schemes should be prepared for the conversion on suitable council estates of one ground-floor flat with access to outdoor play space for this purpose.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Department of the Environment has in preparation a design bulletin about play space and other facilities which should be provided for children in new and existing housing areas. This has been prepared as a resuit of the close liaison already existing between all Departments concerned with the needs of young children, and will deal with the points raised by the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. AllaunDoes the Prime Minister realise that many bolcks of flats have no nursery school and no playground nearby? Does he further appreciate that where there is a playground it is usually impossible for a mother to keep her eye on her child 15 storeys down? Is he further aware that as a result thousands of children are kept in flats throughout the day, with serious mental effects on themselves and their mothers, which could be avoided through the conversion of one of these flats?
§ The Prime MinisterWe recognise these problems, and that is why a considerable amount of social research has now been done into them. It is now almost completed and the design bulletin is in preparation. The hon. Gentleman's suggestion has been examined in the course of this research and will be considered carefully. I do not know whether he is particularly attached to this means of dealing with the problem, but in itself it raises certain problems. We think it may be more expensive than certain other solutions and might also create more disturbance for those living around 230 the converted flat than if other means are provided for helping children in their play.
§ Mr. Charles MorrisonIs my right hon. Friend aware that much more important than co-ordinating any further study is the need to co-ordinate support for the many voluntary organisations which help provide playgroup services? Will he satisfy himself that these various voluntary organisations are receiving the support that they need to provide an increasing number of playgroups?
§ The Prime MinisterI will certainly try to see that this is done. Local authorities have certain legal obligations in this area, and it is to these in particular that the bulletin will be addressed. It is also true that certain organisations, for example the National Playing Fields Association, have made valuable suggestions. We will do our best to coordinate them.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesHas the right hon. Gentleman any plans to provide more money for the urban programme under which at the moment, by a 75 per cent. grant, local authorities are enabled to provide grants to voluntary play groups to do this job in certain parts of downtown areas in our great cities?
§ The Prime MinisterI have no announcement to make today about an increase in finance but the Home Office has been closely involved in the social research and in the proposals we are putting out in the design bulletin affecting play.