§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make available additional funding to district councils in Scotland to be specifically targeted on the installation of safety surfacing in children's play areas; what studies he has undertaken on the cost benefit of such surfacing; how much was spent by the Scottish health service in each of the past five years on the treatment of accidents associated with children's play areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartMy right hon. Friend has no plans to target resources in this way. District councils have complete freedom to determine their own priorities for capital expenditure on their general services programme. They are, therefore, free to invest in the installation of safety surfacing in children's play areas if they so wish. The Scottish Office has not undertaken any studies on the cost benefit of such surfacing and information is not collected separately about the treatment of accidents associated with children's play areas.