HC Deb 16 June 1988 vol 135 cc242-3W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce urgent legislation to make compulsory the replacement of concrete or tarmac surfaces of children's playgrounds and the use of safe soft materials in such playgrounds.

Mr. Moynihan

No. The Health and Safety at Work etc, Act 1974 already applies and requires local authorities and other playground operators to take reasonable measures to ensure safety at playgrounds which are under their control. Duties under this Act are enforceable by the Health and Safety Executive. Additionally, the Department issued guidance to local authorities on safety in children's playgrounds in 1978; part of this guidance was consolidated in British Standard 5696. A new British Standard on playground surface safety is currently being drawn up and should be completed by the end of this year.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many children suffered accidents resulting in death or major injuries as the result of playing in playgrounds with concrete or tarmac surfaces for each year since 1975; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moynihan

I am consulting the Health and Safety Executive, to which accidents are reported under the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. I shall write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities have playgrounds with concrete or tarmac surfaces.

Mr. Moynihan

This information is not held centrally. I understand, however that a joint working group comprising the national children's play and recreation unit, the Institute of Leisure and Amenities Management and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, is conducting a comprehensive survey of local authority provision. The results of the survey should be available later this year.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the average cost of replacing the concrete or tarmac surfaces in children's playgrounds.

Mr. Moynihan

It is not possible to assess a meaningful average cost. Costs vary greatly depending on the contractors' price and the type of surface used—ranging from relatively cheap surfaces such as sand to expensive wet pore surfaces.