Physical Education (Hansard, 27 November 1990)

§ Mr. Fatchett
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to set up a survey of the state of school sport; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Eggar
The terms of reference of the national curriculum working group on physical education require the group to make recommendations on attainment targets and programmes of study for PE, including competitive sport. The Government are also currently undertaking a review of their policies and priorities for sport, which will include sport in schools. However, my right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to undertake a separate survey on the state of school sport.

§ Mr. Fatchett
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he intends to set up a register on the current availability of school playing fields; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Fallon
No. The provision of school playing fields is a mattter for local education authorities and others directly responsible for schools.

§ Mr. Fatchett
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information his Department has about the current provision of swimming lessons in schools; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Eggar
Evidence on the provision of swimming instruction in schools is provided through the visits and reports of Her Majesty's inspectorate. The Government recognise the value of young people being taught to swim as part of a programme of physical education.