HC Deb 03 July 1991 vol 194 cc146-7W
Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the average number of hours allocated to compulsory sport in Wales generally and in each local education authority area for secondary schools in each year between 1979 and 1990.

Sir Wyn Roberts

Sport is not a compulsory activity in maintained schools. Physical education, which includes such sporting activities as team games, swimming and athletics, has been included as a national curriculum subject in schools for pupils aged five to 14 since autumn 1990 under the provisions of the Education Reform Act 1988. It will shortly become a national curriculum subject for pupils aged 14 to 16.

Information is not maintained centrally on time spent in secondary schools on sporting activities as part of PE.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the average amount of playing area in hectares and acres in(a) primary schools in Wales, (b) secondary schools in Wales and (c) all schools; and what was the equivalent figure in 1976, 1979 and 1984;

(2) what percentage of Welsh schools have (a) a swimming pool, (b) a sports hall and (c) a gymnasium; and what were the equivalent percentages in 1979, 1984 and 1989.

Sir Wyn Roberts

The information requested is not held centrally.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total number of(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in Wales; and how many primary and secondary schools have (i) no designated playing fields or (ii) no designated playgrounds.

Sir Wyn Roberts

On 1 January 1991 there were 1,717 primary and 230 secondary schools in Wales. The Education (Schools Premises) Regulations 1981 lay down minimum standards for the provision of recreation areas and playing fields in schools. Local education authorities are responsible for applying those standards, and information on these matters is not collected centrally.