HC Deb 09 May 1972 vol 836 cc1102-3
1. Miss Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children are currently attending day nurseries, residential nurseries and play groups, respectively.

The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Michael Alison)

The latest available figures are that the number of places in local authority and private day nurseries is about 41,000, and in play groups about 260,000. The number of children in residential nurseries is about 3,600.

Miss Lestor

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that there is something wrong with a system of administration that divides pre-school children between the Department of Social Services and the Department of Education for no reason other than facilities that may be available in a particular area? Will he ask his right hon. Friend to hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Education and Science to see whether a joint authority can be established whereby educational responsibility can play some part in the care of the children in these areas?

Mr. Alison

I am not aware that there is any failure in the provision of services as a result of this division of responsibility. However, my right hon. Friend is in the process of having consultations with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science about the development of the future provision.

Sir T. Beamish

Is everything possible being done to encourage the admirable voluntary work done by the pre-school play groups whose work fills an important gap until more money can be afforded for State nursery schooling?

Mr. Alison

Yes. We give the most sympathetic consideration to any approaches they make to us for special help or encouragement.

Mrs. Renée Short

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the development of play groups has taken place simply because there is not enough State provision of nursery education? Does the hon. Gentleman also understand that if the provision is not adequate or up to standard, mothers who want some kind of activity for their children will find many alternatives, many of which are not adequate or suitable? This matter is of great concern to many people involved with young children. Will the hon. Gentleman see what he can do to persuade his right hon. Friend to accept full responsibility and to find more money for the care of pre-school children?

Mr. Alison

The question about nursery education belongs to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. I take the point the hon. Lady made about the undesirable fringe developments which may occur in this sphere. I do not want to play down the vital contribution which voluntary organisations can make. The hon. Lady will be glad to know that expenditure is increasing quite dramatically in both the private and public sectors on this front.