§ 13. Miss Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has for enabling an increase in the number of local authority day nurseries.
§ Mr. SnowWe will give immediate consideration to all day nursery projects submitted in response to the Government's invitation to authorities under the urban programme and my right hon. Friend would hope to be able to approve many more day nursery schemes than would otherwise have been possible.
§ Miss LestorMy hon. Friend will no doubt be aware of the pleasure that the facilities for the under-fives included in the urban development grant have given to those who have campaigned for this under-privileged section of the community. But is he not aware that—quite rightly—the new Regulations regarding 466 child minders will undoubtedly reduce the number of places provided by the private sector in this respect and that this makes it urgent for an increase to be made over the whole field, especially in areas where mothers go out to work?
§ Mr. SnowYes, and it was with such a consideration in mind that a further circular was issued on 18th October last inviting local authorities to submit schemes and information as to the total requirements in their areas, both short-term and long-term. When we have received that information we shall decide what steps should be taken.