§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the total number of secondary schools in England and Wales; how many of them intend to sell off playing fields over the next 18 months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FallonThe latest available figures show that there were 4,208 maintained secondary schools in England and Wales in January 1990. Information on any plans to dispose of playing fields, either in part or whole, at these schools is not available to the Department. Minimum standards for playing fields at maintained schools are set 357W out in the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1981. The disposal of surplus playing fields is a matter for the local education authorities concerned. We expect authorities to review the long-term need for such facilities before taking decisions on disposals.