Pre-School Play Groups

HC Deb 11 August 1966 vol 733 cc1874-5

39. Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation to include preschool play groups among his Department's functions.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

My right hon. Friend cannot consider whether any change in the existing law is desirable until he has received the reports of the Central Advisory Councils for Education.

Mr. Winnick

Does my hon. Friend not agree that, in the absence of nursery schools and nursery classes, pre-school groups should be encouraged and that his Department has a special responsibility along these lines?

Mr. Roberts

We have already sent to local education authorities Circular 8/60, a copy of which, if the hon. Member wishes, I will send to him, and we have already sent out two addenda which bring this matter a bit more forward.