Written question asked by Hugh Robertson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 January 2005. It was answered by Derek Twigg (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 January 2005 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans she has to introduce a moratorium on the sale of school playing fields. - (Holding answer 24 January 2005).

Answer: Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to introduce a moratorium on the sale of school playing fields. [210374] Derek Twigg :[holding answer 24 January 2005]: We have no plans to introduce a moratorium on the sale of school playing fields. Section 77 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 requires local authorities and schools to obtain the written consent of the Secretary of State before they can dispose of any part of a school's playing field. Applications to sell school playing fields are only approved where it is clear that they meet the needs of local schools and their communities and that any proceeds are used to improve school sports provision or educational facilities.

Secondary information