§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what guidelines he has issued to local authorities to encourage the provision of safety surfacing on play areas; what special financial provision he has made available to local authorities to encourage and enable them to meet this need; and if he will make a statement. [24089]
§ Mr. SproatIn January 1992, the joint publication "Playground Safety Guidelines" was issued by the Department of Education and Science, the Welsh Office and the National Children's Play and Recreation Unit. This publication provides guidance to playground providers and managers on play safety issues, including safety surfacing, and was sent to all local authorities in England. The publication was updated and reprinted in 1993.
No specific provision is made within the standard spending assessment for the funding of play areas, although provision for services for children is included within the education and social services assessment, and for recreation within the general services assessment.