HC Deb 06 May 1954 vol 527 c568
33 Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take on the decision of the West Riding County Council to close almost all of the children's nurseries in their area.

51 Mr. Hirst

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take following the decision of the West Riding County Council to close three out of five day nurseries in the Shipley area.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith)

The county council has made new proposals to my right hon. Friend regarding day nurseries, but he cannot fully consider them until the time allowed by the National Health Service Acts for comments to be made by local authorities and other interested bodies has expired.

Mr. Hirst

When considering the case, when the time comes to do so, will my hon. Friend bear in mind especially the need of the constituency of Shipley? It relies enormously for its productivity in the dollar drive on the number of people who can obtain employment locally, and that important purpose does entail the use of nurseries?

Mr. Roberts

Will the Minister also bear in mind that the West Riding County Council made its decision without taking into consideration industrial needs and the financial needs of some mothers?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I am sure that all these facts will be taken into consideration.