HC Deb 18 November 1971 vol 826 cc617-8
12. Mr. Lane

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is her estimate of total expenditure on nursery ducation in 1971–72, 1972–73 and 1973–74, respectively.

Mrs. Thatcher

I cannot give an answer in the precise form requested, but I estimate for the years in question that expenditure on nursery schools financed by the rates and rate support grant will amount to £4.8 million, £5 million and £5.1 million. I have no separate figures for the complementary expenditure on nursery classes in primary schools. The specific grants under the urban aid programme will support further expenditure of about £2.3 million, £2.7 million and £2.9 million on both schools and classes.

Mr. Lane

Is it not clear that nursery places are already being provided at a considerably higher rate than under the previous Government? Will my right hon. Friend make sure that that progress is maintained and, if possible, accelerated?

Mrs. Thatcher

I am happy to report that the general trend is up, and I will do my best to see that it goes up more in future.

Mr. Edward Short

I have with me a copy of the Home Office Press release of last February or March in which it was announced that for a two-year period, beginning 1st April, 5,219 places would be provided. That is almost exactly half the rate of provision under the previous Government. Will the right hon. Lady explain that?

Mrs. Thatcher

Yes, Sir. The right hon. Gentleman's Government left three capital phases of the urban education programme. Those phases have been followed according to the timing the last Government left. In addition to that, in the education debate I announced further provision for extra nursery schools.

Mr. Short

That is not good enough. The right hon. Lady is diddling the House. The document goes on to say that 10,626 places have been provided in the previous two years. It announced the provision of 5,219 places for the two years beginning last April. That is half the rate of provision under the previous Government.

Mrs. Thatcher

The right hon. Gentleman's Government did not leave a capital phase 4 but only a recurrent expenditure phase 4. Bearing that in mind, I made an announcement in the last debate of extra nursery provision over and above that which the right hon. Gentleman provided for.