§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Health whether, in sanctioning a scheme under the Housing Acts of 1936, or earlier, or confirming an order submitted to him for confirmation, it is the policy of the Department to consider the facilities for recreation existent in the area in respect of which the scheme or order has been submitted; whether his Department considers any objections to the said scheme or order that may be raised with a view to maintaining existing facilities or promoting fresh facilities; and whether in these respects he is co-operating with the Board of Education and other bodies charged with the administration of the Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1937?
§ Mr. BernaysThe selection of sites for the building of houses by local authorities is primarily a matter for the authorities, but my right hon. Friend encourages them in providing houses on new estates to have regard to facilities for recreation. In 1935 my Department and the Board of Education jointly issued a memorandum to local authorities with this object, with special reference to the recreational needs of young persons, and the answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative. While information on this subject is not necessarily complete, my right hon. Friend is aware that a number of local authorities have either provided or assisted in providing facilities of the kind for both young persons and adults, and that many others are in course of doing so.