HC Deb 23 October 1952 vol 505 cc1252-3
24. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Health to what extent the number of day nurseries has been increased or reduced during the past year.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The latest figures available are those for 1951, published in the Report of my Department, which show that the number of day nurseries was reduced in that year by 52.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Can the Minister say whether, so far as he can judge, the number is increasing or falling and whether, if there is a continuing fall, he is seeking to encourage or discourage that downward trend?

Mr. Macleod

Fundamentally, the trend to which I have referred is a matter which took place mainly not under this Administration. I have no figures since then because the reports only come in yearly; but I should think that probably the trend is downward. I, personally, believe that this is a matter in which a Minister should not interfere, but that it should be left to local authorities.

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