§ 40. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Health the number of day nurseries which are functioning, and the total attendances, at the nearest recent date, and also at a comparable date in 1944.
§ Mr. BevanThere are 928 day nurseries in England at present. In October, 1944, there were 1,497. I am afraid that up-to-date figures of attendances are not yet available, but I will send the hon. Member this information as soon as possible.
§ Mr. PiratinDoes not the Minister agree that this reduction is due to the fact that local authorities are in many cases charging exorbitant fees for the maintenance of children?
§ Mr. BevanThis is always a matter for the local authorities concerned. The hon. Member must realise that I am not a dictator of the policy of local authorities.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayDoes not the Minister agree that the right policy is to convert these institutions into proper nursery schools for children of two years and over, and that those under that age are better left with their mothers? Will the Minister urge the Government to encourage part-time employment of women in industry?
§ Mr. BevanI am afraid that that is entirely outside the Question, but I am sure that what the hon. Member has said will be given attention.
§ Mr. WyattWhat positive steps are being taken to encourage local authorities not to close down nurseries, in view of the shortage of women workers in industry?
§ Mr. BevanWe have provided a grant of 50 per cent. of the cost of day nurseries. It is not for me continually to press local authorities. It is for hon. Members and other citizens to exercise their local franchise in these matters.