Written question asked by Andrew Hunter (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 December 2000. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Thursday, 21 December 2000 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will take steps to (a) compel or (b) encourage local authorities to ensure that children's playgrounds have soft surfaces to minimise the risk of injury.

Answer: Mr. Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to (a) compel or (b) encourage local authorities to ensure that children's playgrounds have soft surfaces to minimise the risk of injury. [143380] Mr. Meacher: Health and safety legislation already compels local authorities to carry out an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of persons not in their employment who may be affected by the manner in which they carry out their undertaking. This would include assessing the risks in children's playgrounds and such assessments should consider whether the surface complies with published standards on impact absorbing surfaces. Guidance on these standards is available to all local authorities. Where local authorities fail to ensure playgrounds have suitable impact absorbing surfaces, HSE is prepared to take enforcement action.

Secondary information