§ Ms. Quinasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of playgrounds in schools are made of concrete.
§ Mr. DunnThis information is not available. The large majority of school playgrounds are made either of asphalt, or of concrete over which a tarmacadam surface is laid.
§ Ms. Quinasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what studies have been made about the feasibility of introducing substances safer than concrete to be used in playgrounds, including wooden blocks.
§ Mr. DunnIn 1978 my Department sent to all chief education officers, for information, a copy of a Department of Environment circular letter advising authorities of the need for improved safety in children's playgrounds and including a technical appendix on the characteristics of various impact-absorbing surfaces that were considered for use beneath park playground apparatus. Wooden blocks were not mentioned; wood chips, although soft, were regarded as being difficult to maintain and clean. Local education authorities were invited to consider at the time whether any of the advice contained in the letter was felt to be applicable to school playground areas, particulary where climbing apparatus was being installed.