§ 41. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the report from the Scottish Council for Research in Education on the inadequacy of nursery school provision in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the Government's intentions in this field.
§ Mr. MaclayI have read this Report with interest. I regret that I see no prospect of any relaxation in the restrictions on the provision of new nursery schools which have been in force since 1948. All available building resources and staff are still needed for primary and secondary schools and technical education centres.
§ Mr. ThomsonIs the Secretary of State aware that the Report shows that more than two-thirds of the Scottish education authorities make no nursery school provision at all? Does not the most effective way to get into a nursery school appear to be either to have problem parents or very well-to-do parents? Will not the right hon. Gentleman at least look into the possibility of using existing accommodation and converting it for nursery school purposes?
§ Mr. MaclayI am aware of the very valuable part which nursery schools can play, but there is a problem of priorities in this. I will continue to watch the position as closely as I can.