HC Deb 20 July 1978 vol 954 cc320-1W
Mrs. Joyce Butler

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in view of the need for greater recreational facilities for children in out-of-school hours, particularly in inner city areas, she will initiate discussions with local education authorities in such areas for the purposes of making greater use of school playgrounds, playing fields, and premises, and giving greater discretion to head teachers to make the most suitable arrangements for their particular locations.

Miss Margaret Jackson

Local education authorities are already well aware of my Department's long-standing policy to encourage the wider use of educational premises and the scope for extending recreational and community facilities in this way has been emphasised in discussion with the inner city partnership authorities. Particular arrangements in response to local needs are often made on the initiative of head teachers.