HC Deb 10 June 1980 vol 986 cc153-4W
Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in view of the fact that if the traditional urban aid programme is significantly changed or abolished there could be at least a 50 per cent. reduction in children's play provision in the North-West, he will ensure that this does not happen.

Mr. King

: I hope to announce the outcome of the review of the traditional urban programme before the summer recess and I would not wish to pre-empt that. I am well aware of the role of the traditional urban programme in supporting play provision.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment which play organisations have responded to his document on the traditional urban programme and the nature of the replies received ; and why, in view of the fact that over 50 per cent. of the full-time play projects in the North-West are funded through the urban aid programme, few were consulted.

Mr. King

: The play organisations which have commented on the consultative document are :

National Playing Fields Association

Birmingham Play Council

Fair Play for Children (NW London)

Pre-School Playgroups, Headquarters

Pre-School Playgroups, North West Region

Pre-School Playgroups, Bristol

Rochdale and District Play Action Council

The Dumps Play Group (SE London)

Lewisham Play Association

Bermondsey (London) Adventure Playpark Association

Future Generations Club (SE London)

Southwark Playground Association

Kensington and Chelsea Play Association

Bethwin Road Neighbourhood Play Group (London)

Burdett Toy Library (London)

Honor Oak Play Group (London)

Ackroyd Under 5 Group (Lewisham)

Mrs. C. Jeffrey (Playgroup) (Deptford)

Balderstone/Kirkholt Play Scheme (Rochdale)

Castlemere Adventure Playground (Heywood, Lancs)

Ashfield Valley Play Scheme (Rochdale)

Poynton Play Association (Cheshire)

North West Play Association (Chester)

E. Midland Play Association

Many of the local groups commented that their work would not have been possible but for the traditional urban programme funding, and that they valued the co-operation and participation with the local authority which the programme encouraged. All supported the continuation of the programme.

The consultation document was widely circulated amongst the voluntary sector and publicised at a national level. Any local groups which requested the document from the Department or the National Council for Voluntary Organisations received a copy. Over 180 responses were received on this stage of consultation, of which most were from voluntary groups.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if the National Playing Fields Association and Fair Play for Children were asked to offer any comments on his document on children's play provision under the traditional urban programme.

Mr. King

: Both the National Playing Fields Association and Fair Play for Children received copies and commented on the consultation document. It did not specifically consider children's play provision, although many play projects are funded under the traditional urban programme.