Children's Playgrounds

HC Deb 17 March 1978 vol 946 cc358-9W

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will now introduce legislation to provide for mandatory action by local authorities in respect of safety standards in the siting, maintenance and construction of equipment provided in local authority children's playgrounds, including surfaces, slides, swings and roundabouts;

(2) whether he will introduce legislation to provide minimum standards of design by the manufacturers of equipment intended for use in children's playgrounds.

Mr. Armstrong

As my right hon. Friend indicated in reply to my hon. Friend on 6th February 1978—[Vol. 943, c. 403]—the British Standards Institution is now preparing a new standard for play equipment which will cover the design of such equipment, as well as including advice on its constructon, installation and maintenance. We will consider what action is required when the new standard is issued.