§ Sir W. Jamesasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether any directions have been issued to town planning authorities that the education authority is to have priority claim on open spaces adjacent to schools which have no playing grounds?
§ Mr. H. StraussMy right hon. Friend has, in a memorandum to planning authorities, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy, drawn their attention to the importance of maintaining close contact with local education authorities in order that the latter may know in which areas development is expected or will be allowed, and that the planning authority may be fully advised of their requirements for schools and playing fields. The planning officers of the Ministry have also been instructed to give the divisional inspectors of the Board of Education such information and help as will ensure that the planning authorities give full consideration to the requirements of the education authorities.
§ Sir W. Jamesasked the President of the Board of Education whether a survey has been made of open land adjacent to schools which have no playing grounds with a view to providing these schools with adequate recreational facilities; and, if not, what steps he intends to take?
§ Mr. EdeLocal education authorities are consulted in the planning and redevelopment of areas under the Town and Country Planning Acts about the need for additional school playing fields, and the Board are in close touch with authorities through His Majesty's Inspectors. Reference was made in paragraph 23 of the White Paper on Educational Reconstruction to the Government's proposals for a survey by local education authorities of the present and prospective needs of primary and secondary schools in their areas.