§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what plans he has to stop the sale of playing fields; and if he will make a statement; [8000]
(2) if he will make a statement on current guidelines and standards relating to school playing fields; [8001]
(3) what plans he has to review current guidelines on the provision of school playing field facilities; and if he will make a statement. [8002]
§ Mr. ByersWe intend to make sure that those playing fields which schools and their local communities need are not sold in future. My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Education and Employment and for Culture, Media and Sport are discussing this as a matter of urgency. We are looking at a wide range of options to ensure that all school pupils will have access to proper sports facilities.
The Education (School Premises) Regulations 1996 set out statutory minimum areas of grassed playing field, or equivalent sports facilities, for all state schools with pupils aged 8 years or older.
My Department has published guidance on the size of school grounds in Building Bulletin 82 "Area Guidelines for Schools".
A new Building Bulletin, "School Grounds—a guide to good practice", which is in preparation now for publication this Autumn, will include detailed, practical advice on playing fields.