HC Deb 25 June 1942 vol 380 cc2126-7
4. Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

asked the Minister of Health the total cost involved in establishing a war-time nursery for 50 children up to the age of five years; how many staff are required; and what are the relevant figures for a nursery containing only children over the age of two years?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)

To enable a fair comparison to be made between the cost of nurseries of different types it would be necessary to take account of the length of hours for which they are open and the extent to which the accommodation provided is fully utilised over a period of time. The circumstances of individual nurseries vary so much that it would be misleading to attempt to make a comparison based on the single factor mentioned by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Lindsay

Would it be true to say that, broadly speaking, it does not take twice as many people if the nursery includes children under two?

Mrs. Tate

Of course it does.

Mr. Brown

I could not accept that suggestion. If my hon. Friend wants to know whether it requires more, naturally it does. The problem is entirely different in the case of a nursery where you have children of all ages for 12 hours a day, with perhaps a section for nights as well, compared with one which is part-time and for a shorter period.

Miss Rathbone

Is it not a fact that the Minister requires that there should be a fully-trained nurse and fully-trained teacher and is that really necessary, especially in towns where a doctor is available?

Mr. Brown

I should be very reluctant to lower the standard.