§ 56. Dr. MARION PHILLIPSasked the President of the Board of Education whether the Sunderland education authority has now included the provision of a nursery school in its programme; and, if not, whether the Board of Education is satisfied that it is making suitable provision for young children, especially in its poorest and most crowded areas?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Sir Charles Trevelyan)I have not yet received the answer of the Sunderland Local Education Authority to my request for information as to their proposals in regard to young children, but I am communicating with them again.
§ Sir A. POWNALLWould the right hon. Gentleman consider the provision of nursery gardens?
Viscountess ASTORWill the President of the Board of Education bear in mind that most of these nursery schools are run by voluntary associations, and will he do something to stimulate local authorities to start nursery schools?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANThere are twice as many nursery schools now being built as are in existence.
§ Mr. SPEAKERPerhaps hon. Members will allow the Noble Lady to put her question.
Viscountess ASTORIs it not true that most of these schools were started under private enterprise, and is it not the duty of the Government to stimulate local authorities to start nursery schools?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANWe are stimulating local authorities. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and myself have issued a circular quite recently urging local authorities to start these nursery schools.