§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science in what respects his Department makes provision for the recreational needs of children either directly or through organisations or bodies it supports.
§ Mr. William SheltonUnder section 53 of the Education Act 1944 local education authorities are required to make adequate provision for recreation and social and physical training and the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1981 require them to provide minimum areas of playing fields designed to meet curricular needs in schools. In recognition of the important contribution made by the youth service, the Department pays recurrent grant towards the headquarters and training expenses of national voluntary youth organisations and for experimental and development work. Capital grants are allocated to sponsoring bodies for national and regional voluntary youth organisations and for experimental and development work. Capital grants are allocated to sponsoring bodies for national and regional voluntary youth projects. We are also co-sponsors of the urban programme under which grants are paid on a range of recreational projects for children including holiday schemes.