HC Deb 20 November 1941 vol 376 cc444-5
42. Miss Cazalet

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the appeal for 1,000,000 more married women to enlist in war work, he will consider immediately, in consultation with the Minister of Labour and the President of the Board of Education, drawing up a time-table for the opening of a sufficient number of war nurseries?

Mr. E. Brown

Action on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend is already being taken.

Miss Cazalet

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the speed with which these war nurseries are being opened, because I can assure him that a great many responsible people are not satisfied?

Mr. Brown

I certainly should not express complete satisfaction, and I would say that we shall want every kind of organisation—nursery schools, nursery classes, war-time nurseries and the aid of housewives as well, more particularly in certain special areas. We are carrying out a very large programme with great speed.

Sir Percy Harris

Is my hon. Friend aware that a good many local authorities think that there is far too much red tape and that if they are to get on quickly, greater latitude must be left to them?

Mr. Brown

I can assure the hon. Baronet that we shall use the clippers forcefully.