§ Mr. Simon Mahonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) how many local education authorities have already implemented Circular 11/64 (Provision of Facilities for Sport); and if he will further encourage such bodies to take action on Clauses 9 and 10 of this circular before the school holidays begin;
(2) what action has been taken by his Department to organise sport for children on open school playing fields and playgrounds in overcrowded industrial areas during school holidays; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what action has been taken to further implement Circular No. 11/64 (Provision of Facilities for Sport) in order that more school playing fields and playgrounds will be available to children in industrial areas, especially during school holiday periods.
§ Mr. Denis HowellAction under Circular 11/64 rests with local authorities. I have made clear in many speeches the importance attached by the Government to the full use of public facilities for sport and physical recreation including playing field and playground facilities at schools. The regional sports councils which I have set up are carrying out surveys of facilities and paying special attention to dual use. The majority of local education authorities are allowing some dual use of school premises, and there is an encouraging number of new schemes providing both for school and community use. But there is considerable wear on such playing fields, and local 101W authorities and managers or governors of schools must be the arbiters on what is practicable.
Attention has been drawn to this question in two recent Building Bulletins published by the Department—No. 26, Secondary School Design, Physical Education, and No. 28 Playing Fields and Hard Surface Areas. Reference to the organisation of holiday activities in school playing fields and playgrounds is contained in the latter Bulletin.