§ 30. Mr. Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of children receiving nursery 1420 education in education authority and grant-aided establishments at the latest date in 1971 for which figures are available; and what percentage increase this represents over the figure for the corresponding date in 1970.
Mr. Edward TaylorThere were 12,539 pupils receiving nursery education in education authority and grant-aided schools at January 1971, an increase of 17.8 per cent. over the figure for January, 1970.
§ Mr. Clark HutchisonWhile thanking my hon. Friend for those figures, may I ask him to recall that the subject of nursery education featured in our election manifesto? Is he satisfied with the progress which has been made, and will he press on with it?
Mr. TaylorI accept that this is a very important matter. The figures that I have quoted are very encouraging and, through the urban aid programme, we hope to secure further expansion.