§ 2. Mr. JamiesonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding safety at outdoor education centres.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Lord James Douglas-Hamilton)My right hon. Friend has received no recent representations on safety at outdoor education centres. He is, however, fully aware of the action that has followed the canoeing tragedy in Lyme Bay, Dorset. In particular, the Government's response to that incident—including new guidance on safety at outdoor activity centres—extends to Scotland.
§ Mr. JamiesonIs the Minister aware that every year thousands of children in Scotland attend outdoor education centres and undertake potentially hazardous activities? What guidelines have been given to schools in Scotland and what measures have been taken to accredit and inspect the centres to ensure that children's lives are not put at risk?
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI am aware of the hon. Gentleman's concerns. I can confirm that guidance is likely to be published in the late summer and is intended to supplement the existing guidance, "Safety in Outdoor Education," which was published in 1989.
The hon. Gentleman will be pleased to learn that there are reports this morning that Grampian regional council has issued its own guidance to keep it up to date. I am very pleased that it has done that, and I am sure that it will be of value to schools in the region. I hope that other local authorities will do that as well. We do not want an excess of guidance, but we will ensure that the best possible guidance is put in place. The Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Monro), is pursuing a campaign of safety in relation to mountaineering and hill and mountain safety.