§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what instructions are given to local authorities about the design of playgrounds to ensure that children are properly protected from injury; and if he will be making proposals to ensure that adequate safeguards are available.
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§ Mr. MoynihanThe Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 imposes a general duty on local authorities to take resonable measures to ensure the safety of all non-domestic premises, including playgrounds, which are under their control. Duties under this Act are enforceable by the Health and Safety Executive to whom all serious injuries occurring in playgrounds must be reported. The Department issued guidance to local authorities on safety in children's playgrounds in 1978. This guidance was consolidated in British Standard 5696 and a new British standard on playground safety is currently being drawn up. In addition, the National Playing Fields Association provides an independent advice service on playground safety for local authorities and other playground operators.