HC Deb 14 December 1979 vol 975 c828W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what level of free nursery education should be provided under the provisions of the Education Act 1944.

Dr. Boyson

The adequacy of an authority's provision for junior pupils under five has to be measured against the requirements of section 8(1)(a) of the Education Act 1944. Section 8(2)(b) places an obligation on authorities to have regard to the need to make such provision in the form of nursery schools or nursery classes.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has any proposals to allow local education authorities to charge for nursery education.

Dr. Boyson

None at present.