HC Deb 12 April 1972 vol 834 cc1247-9
17. Mr. Adam Hunter

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of Scottish education costs goes on the provision of nursery classes; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Monro

Education authorities do not distinguish between expenditure on nursery education and other kinds of school education in their accounts. It is estimated that £1.4 million, representing 0.8 per cent. of local authority current expenditure on education, was spent on nursery education in the financial year 1970–71.

Mr. Hunter

Does not the 0.8 per cent. compare very unfavourably with the rest of the United Kingdom where I understand that the figure is 2 per cent. of the total cost of education? Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the growth of nursery education in Scotland is far too slow, and will he say what progress is being made?

Mr. Monro

Yes, I agree that it is a small proportion and I should like to see it increased as soon as the resources are available. It is small in relation to education expenditure as a whole because successive Governments have been unable to allow a general expansion of nursery education in the face of prior claims from the rest of the education services. From information which has recently come before us a general tendency for the emphasis to go towards the under-fives can be seen.

Mr. David Steel

Does the Under-secretary accept that training for the under-fives should be done as much as possible with the participation of the parents? To this end has any guidance or encouragement been given to local authorities to provide facilities free of charge to properly organised play groups?

Mr. Monro

Certainly in the wider sense authorities have been encouraged under the urban programme to go ahead, but each education authority by its own initiative can encourage play groups.

Mr. Buchan

Will the Minister go further—this is not a parliamentary point—and agree that the figures are grossly inadequate? Will he further agree that it is generally recognised that we can get a better return from investment in nursery education than from any other aspect of education and that it is now a "must"?

Mr. Monro

I think the hon. Gentleman will realise that there has been a huge increase in expenditure in recent years on primary and secondary education. As the facilities become adequate—and they are well on the way to becoming so—we must change the emphasis to the under-fives.