HC Deb 08 February 1965 vol 706 cc24-5
16. Mr. Chataway

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that local health authorities have sufficient powers to check the growth of unsatisfactory day nurseries; and if he will make a statement.

96. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Health if he will take steps to control the growth of unsuitable day nurseries.

Mr. K. Robinson

I have no reason to think that existing powers are inadequate, but if there is evidence to the contrary I shall be glad to look into it.

I hope shortly to ask local health authorities to review the arrangements in force in their areas under the Nurseries and Child-Minders Regulations Act, 1948, to see whether any improvements can be made in present practice.

Mr. Chataway

While I welcome that anouncement, may I ask the Minister whether he is aware that there is considerable concern at the number of these private day nurseries and the conditions under which they appear to be operating, and the feeling that they appear to be multiplying? There is some evidence from local health authorities that they do not believe that existing legislation gives them sufficient powers to deal with these establishments.

Mr. Robinson

I shall be very glad to look into any evidence which is brought to my notice. In 1964 inquiries were made in a sample of local health authority areas—eleven of them—and they suggested that the standards of day care in general gave no cause for concern.

Mrs. Short

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the growth of unsatisfactory day nurseries and child-minding schemes is directly connected with the refusal of the previous Conservative Government to allow local authorities to build and staff day nurseries? In view of the need to attract women to the teaching profession and the nursing profession, in particular, and many other necessary professions in this country, will my right hon. Friend give favourable consideration to those local authorities which want to set up day nurseries of their own?

Mr. Robinson

I will certainly consider any representations which are made to me.