§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Wales in what respects his Department makes provision for the recreational needs of children either directly or through organisations or bodies it supports.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsRecreational provision for children in school or further education is primarily the responsibility of local education authorities who have a duty to secure that facilities for primary, secondary and further education for their areas include adequate facilities for recreation. Scales of provision for recreation areas and playing fields at schools are laid down in the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1981 though how these facilities are used outside school hours is for the education authority to decide.
The Welsh Office makes no direct provision for the recreational needs of children but financial assistance towards schemes to meet these needs is made available through the urban programme. The Department also assists numerous bodies who provide for these needs as part of their overall activities. These include the Sports Council for Wales which gives grants to various Welsh schools sporting associations and runs holiday courses for children. They also include many voluntary youth organisations such as the Welsh Association of Youth Clubs, the Boys Clubs of Wales, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Guides Cymru and the Boys' Brigade in Wales.