HC Deb 22 January 1953 vol 510 cc391-2
21. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that more than half the children in the day nurseries at Slough have been withdrawn by their mothers because they cannot afford the increased charge from 10s. to £2 3s. a week; and if he will take steps to revise this increased charge.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

My right hon. Friend is aware that the nurseries are at present about half occupied. The charges are within the limits which he has approved generally, and their application is a matter for the county council. Persons of small income would not, of course, be assessed at the full amount.

Mr. Brockway

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the very grave burden that this increased charge throws upon working-class families, that large numbers of women are not now able to continue their part-time work, and that the children who are living in Slough in crowded conditions are losing all the social amenities which they had in these day nurseries? Will she communicate with the local authority with a view to getting a reduction in this very high increased charge?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The hon. Member will be aware that the county council in this area divide the classes into two—priority and non-priority. The priority class is assessed on a generous scale according to means, and the non-priority class consists, in the main, of families where both parents are working and are drawing an income.

25. Mr. Hale

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a number of day nurseries at the Oldham textile mills are now being closed down because of the increased cost; that Oldham Corporation have felt compelled substantially to increase the cost of the Corporation day nursery and that, as a result, fewer married women are being employed in the textile industry; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

My right hon. Friend has no control over the number of day nurseries run by private employers. The charges to users of the Corporation's nurseries accord with the policy of the National Health Service Act, 1952, that the users of such nurseries should pay according to their means.