§ Mr. Sydney Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take to encourage the provision of adequate outdoor play 386W facilities for children on new local authority housing schemes.
§ Mr. EyreFollowing extensive research by my Department into the question of children's play, I have today issued to local authorities a circular recommending new standards suitable for unsupervised play on future local authority housing schemes (DOE circular 79/72) (Welsh Office circular 165/72). The new standards differ from the existing recommended standards based upon the Parker Morris Report in that they specifically require the play space to be equipped and to be provided at all densities. Local authorities will be eligible for a special subsidisable allowance towards the extra cost of providing play space at the new recommended standards. It is hoped that the introduction of these standards and allowances will encourage local authorities to make provision for this useful amenity in their new schemes.