HC Deb 20 March 1947 vol 435 cc584-5
42. Mr. Garry Allighan

asked the Minister of Health what is the number of municipal authorities who have reduced the provision of day nurseries since the 100 per cent. grant was cut; and the total of day nurseries so closed.

Mr. J. Edwards

Fifty-seven municipal corporations have closed a total of 89 day nurseries.

Mr. Allighan

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that that figure includes Gravesend, where the ratepayers are now paying 11s. 11d. per week for every child in a day nursery, and will he tell the House what steps his Ministry have taken to persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer to renew the grant in order to meet the demands in industry for women workers?

Mr. Edwards

My information is that Gravesend have closed one day nursery because they were able to use the other nurseries which they had for the people who required them.