HC Deb 23 October 1967 vol 751 cc1336-7
33. Miss Lestor

asked the Minister of Health if he will initiate an interdepartmental inquiry into the needs and facilities for the pre-school child.

Mr. Snow

We are not satisfied that a further inquiry would be helpful in reaching conclusions.

Miss Lestor

Is my hon. Friend not aware that recent published surveys, particularly the one headed by Dr. Simon Yudkin, show the inadequacies and often the horrifying circumstances surrounding provision for the under-fives? Is he not aware that this reply will be very disappointing to many people engaged in child care?

Mr. Snow

I do not think that my hon. Friend should take such a gloomy view. It is not a shortage of reports on this and allied matters that is of concern to us. A new Government social survey, which it is hoped will be published in the spring, on the requirements of working mothers and the need for child care facilities, will be urgently considered by my Department. The fact is that we have a certain amount of information, but we are still awaiting certain decisions in connection with the Plowden Report.