§ 4. Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many voluntary nursery schools there are in the County of Dunbartonshire under the auspices of the National Association of Pre-School Playgroups; and what steps he proposes to take to encourage such schools.
§ Mrs. HartI understand that the Association has two member groups in Milngavie—of which one is registered with the local health authority. I think that the extension of these activities is essentially a matter for voluntary effort, which I hope will be encouraged by the Milngavie initiative.
§ Mr. BenceWould my hon. Friend consider recommending that some aid be given to these organisations, because they are doing excellent work? I feel sure that they would submit themselves to some surveillance and control. This is a highly desirable project, and I feel sure that some grant in aid would be welcomed by the Association.
§ Mrs. HartOne is very glad indeed to see these play groups embarked upon, because they are very useful. We give a small grant to the Nursery Schools Association and some local education authorities make grants. It is a matter which my right hon. Friend would need to discuss with local education authorities.
Mr. BuchanWould my hon. Friend consider the possibility of encouraging local authorities to start a nursery class in each school as a means of encouraging married women teachers to return to teaching?
§ Mrs. HartWe are very glad indeed to welcome local education authorities' provision of nursery classes where there are married teachers and we shall continue to encourage them wherever we can.