HC Deb 05 June 1992 vol 208 c647W
Mr. Steinberg

To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will estimate the number of schools sports grounds that have been sold by local education authorities each year since 1979.

Mr. Forth

The information which the hon. Member requests is unavailable, since local education authorities are not required to inform the Department of disposals of surplus land and buildings. However, the DES included a specific sum of £0.5 million in the Sports Council's grant-in-aid for 1991–92 for the preparation of a register of recreational land to monitor gains and losses in playing fields. The register is due for completion by June 1993.