HC Deb 07 May 1998 vol 311 c508W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the decrease in acreage of school playing fields in each of the last three years. [40058]

Mr. Byers

The Department does not currently collate this information. Information will, however, be available after the School Standards and Framework Bill is enacted. From then, local authorities, governing bodies and foundation bodies will require the prior consent of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State before disposing of school playing fields.