3. Miss Wardasked the Minister of Labour how many war emergency nurseries he has recommended for establishment; and how many are now in working order?
§ Mr. BevinBy the end of May, 1941, 157 war-time nurseries had been recommended by my officers. Since that date responsibility for reviewing the need for nurseries, for the children both of evacuated mothers and of those in employment, has been placed upon the maternity and child welfare authorities, to whom my officers give the necessary information direct as to the needs of industry. There are at present 40 whole-time and 104 part-time nurseries open, 27 whole-time and 19 part-time are approved and shortly to open, and others are in preparation.
Miss WardIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the need is really met by part-time nurseries? Is he satisfied with the whole position?
§ Mr. BevinI am not satisfied with part-time arrangements, but it is sometimes the best you can do in war circumstances.