Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tim Loughton and Mark Spencer

Monday 21st March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con)]

16. What his policy is on the provision of sporting facilities in schools.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Tim Loughton)]

It is for schools and their sponsors and maintaining authorities to determine the range of sporting facilities in each school, consistent with statutory requirements. Education premises regulations include a requirement for access to playing fields as well.

[Mr Spencer]

I am grateful for that answer. Will the Minister tell me how he will support schools and governing bodies when local authorities withdraw from joint-use agreements, putting pressure on sporting facilities and their availability to not only pupils but members of the public?

[Tim Loughton]

My hon. Friend is right to say that it is absolutely essential that we have as many school facilities available as possible to people beyond those in the school cohort. Local authorities should remember that they have responsibility for determining non-school provision at a school site. Given that PE will remain a compulsory part of the curriculum, they really should be reminded of their duties, and of the fact that it is good for everybody to do more sport.