HC Deb 26 May 1966 vol 729 cc701-2
16. Mr. Dean

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will now announce his proposals for assistance to pre-school play groups.

The Minister of State, Department of Education and Science (Mr. Edward Redhead)

My right hon. Friend has agreed to pay a grant of £3,000 a year for three years to the National Association of Pre-school Play Groups towards their headquarters expenses, including the salary of an adviser.

Mr. Dean

I welcome that information, but does the Minister of State realise that many of these groups find considerable difficulty in starting operations? If he accepts that they are fulfilling a valuable function, will he ensure that more help is available to them?

Mr. Redhead

My right hon. Friend has no legal power to assist individual play groups, which do not come within the scope of the Education Acts.

22. Miss Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in view of the grant made by his Department to the National Association of Pre-school Play Groups, he will make it a condition that the Association should make its member groups open to inspection by the officers of his Department.

Mr. Redhead

My right hon. Friend has no power to make such a condition. One of Her Majesty's Inspectors is in close touch with the National Association and the purpose of the grant is to enable the Association itself to provide expert advice and guidance to its members.

Miss Lestor

Is my hon. Friend aware of the concern of the National Association of Pre-school Play Groups at the lack of guidance from his Department? Will he consider making some greater form of voluntary advice available to individual groups?

Mr. Redhead

One of the purposes of the grant is to help the National Association itself to provide that advice. I am anxious to encourage pre-school play groups and will consider the point made by my hon. Friend.

Sir Harmar Nicholls

The hon. Gentleman has said that the grant is £3,000. Has he any estimate as to how much that will be reduced as a result of the Selective Employment Tax?

Mr. Speaker

Order. Supplementary questions must be related to the Question on the Order Paper.