§ Q9. Mrs. Renée Short asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the coordination between the Secretary of State for Education and Science and the Secretary of State for Social Services in respect of the care and education of the preschool child.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mrs. ShortDoes the Prime Minister recall that the Social Science Research Council has just allocated £11,000 to make an investigation into illegal child minding? Is he aware that illegal child minding arises because there is not enough good nursery and day nursery provision? In order to improve this provision, will he see that the care of the pre-school child is united under the Department of Education and Science, so that only one Minister is responsible, and ensure that enough money is provided for the rapid expansion of these facilities, which are so urgently needed?
§ The Prime MinisterAs the hon. Lady says, the Government are supporting this piece of research, which we regard as important. The Departments were consulted before it was embarked on. We must await the outcome of the research. I am afraid that I cannot give an undertaking at this precise moment about the amalgamation of departmental functions for which she has asked. On the other hand, she will recognise that the Secretary of State for Education and Science and the Government have embarked on a programme of provision of nursery schooling—although, I agree, not pre-nursery schooling. This shows the importance that we attach to the matter.