HC Deb 14 October 1975 vol 897 cc1118-9
10. Mr. Peter Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many recent representations he has received asking him to review the Government's decision to phase out direct-grant schools.

Miss Joan Lestor

Since I replied to the similar Question on 10th July 1975—[Vol. 889, c. 243.]—about 2,500 letters have been received.

Mr. Morrison

Does the Minister agree that, however much the Labour Party's left wing may be pushing for the immediate abolition of direct-grant schools, it would make more sense to delay such a costly procedure, at least until the country can afford it?

Miss Lestor

I am delighted to tell the hon. Gentleman that all wings of my party are pressing for the abolition of direct grants to schools. One would expect a reaction from people whose privileges or pockets are threatened, but they are in a minority.

18. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what study he has made of the proposals for extending nursery education included in the report of National Labour Women's Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement.

Miss Joan Lestor

The report, which dealt with the whole range of provision for the under-fives, is still being studied by my Department and the Department of Health and Social Security. My right hon. Friend will be writing to the National Labour Women's Advisory Committee about those proposals which concern nursery education.

Mr. Roberts

Will the Minister give the House some figures of the proportion of children, in appropriate age groups, who are receiving nursery education and any data which may be available on the social mix of those children? Will she agree that the first step to equal opportunity is the spread of universal nursery education? Does she not deplore some of the recent Government cuts in public expenditure, particularly those affecting teacher training, which will have a dangerous effect on nursery education?

Miss Lestor

In regard to the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I do not have the latest figures available for pre-school children, but I shall see that he receives them. On the more general point, I and everybody else would deplore any difficulties in provision for the pre-school child following the present restraint on Government expenditure, but I hope that local authorities will look carefully at areas of social disadvantage, since the whole point of the Government's anti-inflationary policy is not to hit those who are already disadvantaged.