§ 25. Mr. DAYasked the President of the Board of Education whether he proposes to introduce legislation at an early date for the more general extension of nursery schools; and will he consider seeking powers to require local authorities to establish nursery schools in their areas?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Oliver Stanley)I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Board's Circular 1444 issued last January in which local education authorities are asked to survey the needs of their areas. Local education authorities already possess full powers to provide nursery schools where needed in their areas, and I am not satisfied that it is desirable or practicable to introduce legislation of the type contemplated by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. DAYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider making additional grants where they are absolutely necessary?
§ Mr. STANLEYNo, Sir.
§ Mr. LEACHIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the rate of progress of nursery schools throughout the country?
§ Mr. STANLEYThere has certainly been a great speeding up in the provision of nursery schools during the last 12 months.