School Playing Fields

HC Deb 08 February 1999 vol 325 cc10-1W

Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applications for the sale of school playing fields have come before him since 1 May 1997. [69613]

Mr. Raynsford

The Secretary of State's consent to the disposal of land by local authorities under their general powers is only required where they wish to do so at less than the best reasonably obtainable consideration, which is normally open market value. No such applications for consent for the sale of school playing fields have come before him since 1 May 1997.

Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applications for school playing fields development he has approved. [69614]

Mr. Raynsford

The information requested is not held on this basis. The results of appeals and called-in applications are not classified by sites of this type. It is, therefore, not feasible to assemble such information, except at disproportionate cost.