§ 12. Mr. Manuelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of day nurseries and nursery schools provided by local authorities during 1949 and the comparative number for 1959.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonIn 1949 the number of local authority day nurseries and nursery schools was 83 and 64 respectively compared with 72 and 76 in 1959.
§ Mr. ManuelIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in certain areas these day nurseries and nursery schools are used for the training of young girls who wish to become nurses? Many young girls are now finding it difficult to enter these nurseries to get this necessary training. Can he hold out any hope of an expansion so that these girls may follow their inclinations?
§ Mr. MacphersonAs the hon. Gentleman knows, we have to deal with the education building programme in accordance with strict priorities. I think he is well aware of the priorities that force themselves upon us at the present time.
§ Miss HerbisonSurely the figures the hon. Gentleman has given show that there has been a decrease over these ten years in day nurseries? These are places where these young women can be trained. That is what my hon. Friend is worried about.
§ Mr. MacphersonYes. Day nurseries are for children whose mothers have to go out to work or who, for some other reason, cannot be properly looked after at home. Where day nurseries have been withdrawn, I am informed that there has been no substantial complaint following upon the withdrawal.