§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will list in theOfficial Report those regulations which govern safety requirements in children's playgrounds belonging to local authorities;
(2) what requirements are imposed on local authorities to ensure that local authorities play areas have yielding ground surfaces below playground equipment including swings and climbing frames;
(3) what guidance has been given to local authorities regarding safety surfaces in local authority play areas;
(4) what plans he has to introduce requirements to lay safety surfaces on local authority playgrounds.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThere are no regulations governing safety requirements or safety surfaces in children's playgrounds belonging to local authorities. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires all playground operators to take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of such facilities and to report certain accidents to the Health and Safety Executive, which enforces the Act. Additionally, a number of British standards apply to playground surfaces and equipment. I have no plans for further requirements or guidance to local authorities.