asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria have to be satisfied in order for a local authority to receive a subsidy from his Department for the provision of play spaces on new and existing estates; what are the total central funds available for this purpose; and how much has been allocated and to which local authority.
The criteria are set out in DOE Circular 79/72. Provided that proposals conform to the standards in the circular they attract the specified cost allowances, on which subsidy is payable. There are no total funds allocated for play provision, and sums for the purpose are not allocated to particular authorities.
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what application has been made to his Department by the West Lancashire District Council, St. Helens Borough Council, Knowsley Council and Sefton Council for subsidies for the provision of play spaces on new or existing estates.
None of the four authorities mentioned has made any applications for subsidy towards the cost of providing children's play spaces on new or existing estates.