HC Deb 02 December 1992 vol 215 c234W
Dr. Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) when he expects to complete his consultation on the disposal of school playing fields, arising out of his document issued on 19 December 1991; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what is his policy in regard to the selling off of playing fields for private development and the assessment of the long-term need for school or community use of those playing fields.

Mr. Forth

My right hon. Friend expects shortly to inform local education authorities (LEAs) and others of his conclusions arising from this consultation exercise.

Any decision as to whether or not to dispose of school playing fields is a matter for the LEA concerned. It is the Government's policy to encourage LEAs to dispose of surplus land and buildings in order to avoid unnecessary expenditure and to realise capital receipts for debt redemption and reinvestment in education capital schemes. However, when considering decisions about the disposal of school playing fields we would expect LEAs to balance these considerations against the need to preserve facilities for potential future use.