§ 6 Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Health whether he will now take steps to require local authorities to provide day nurseries for children under two, in each area in place of or in continuation of the wartime day nurseries; and what grants will be given to the local authority in respect of such day nurseries.
§ Mr. BevanI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 29th October to my hon. Friend the Member for 603 Blackburn (Mrs.. Castle). Local needs vary widely and the appropriate method of caring for children under two—who are particularly susceptible to cross infection when congregated together—can best be judged by the responsible local authorities.
§ Mr. PiratinIs the Minister aware that, in spite of the answer which has been given, hardship has been caused to many mothers who desire to put their children in nurseries which have now ceased to function? Is he also aware that local authorities are uncertain as to how they should proceed in the matter because of the cessation of these grants, and will he therefore take steps to remedy this unsatisfactory situation?
§ Mr. BevanThere ought to be no uncertainty among local authorities about the grants, because they have been informed of what the position is.
§ Mr. Kenneth Lindsay rose—
§ Mr. SpeakerWe cannot have a lot of supplementary questions and get on with the Questions at the same time. I hope we can get on with some more Questions.