asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the provision of facilities for children's play out of school.

Out of school facilities are essentially a matter for local decision and provision by local authorities and the voluntary sector. The Government provide grant support, both through the urban programme and to the National Out of School Alliance (which in 1984–85 received £47,000 towards its development of community schemes). Additionally, we are funding Play Board the voluntary agency recently established to promote opportunities for children's play.