§ 21. Captain McEwenasked the Minister of Education what has been in England the cost of nursery schools set up since the war; and how many children have made use of them.
§ The Minister of Education (Mr. Butler)Three nursery schools have been established by local education authorities in England during the war at a capital cost of about £18,000; in 1943–44 the net maintenance expenditure was £5,280 and the averange attendance 240. Three nursery schools were established by voluntary bodies. I have no figures of their capital cost; in 1943–44 the net maintenance expenditure was about £1,730 and the average attendance 125.
§ Mr. E. J. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain nursery schools are closing? Cannot he take steps to keep them open?
§ Mr. ButlerI think we ought to be quite sure that we are not getting muddled between nursery schools and war-time nurseries.