asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the achievements of his Department in providing for children's play opportunities.

My responsibility is to provide a focus for Government policy across Departments in relation to children's play. I am not responsible for the provision of play opportunities since the need for such provision is clearly a matter for local decision.We have encouraged and supported the voluntary movement to set up a new national body to promote facilities and opportunities in children's play. As a result, the Association for Children's Play and Recreation known as Play Board, has been established as an independent agency funded by my Department. I look to Play Board to play an increasingly important role in the promotion of local opportunities and facilities for play, and to advise central and local Government on needs and resources.