HL Deb 17 February 1998 vol 586 cc29-30WA
The Earl of Mar

and Kellie asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will maintain equal charges for the licensing of adventure centres in the statutory and non-statutory schemes. [HL560]

Baroness Blackstone

The Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations were laid in 1996 to ensure the safety of schoolchildren and other young people under 18 years of age taking part in certain outdoor pursuits in Great Britain. Since a voluntary accreditation scheme—without the age limit—already exists in Wales and another is currently being piloted in Scotland, it would clearly be good practice for complementary schemes within Great Britain to be harmonised in so far as that is possible; but the Government's role would be to encourage, not lead on, non-statutory measures.