§ 12. Mr. Langasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make an announcement on the Government's attitude towards nursery education in Scotland.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherIt is for education authorities to decide, in the light of their needs and resources, on the level of provision of nursery education for the area.
§ Mr. LangI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that the best form of education for pre-primary school children is that of a voluntary nature, preferably one that involves the mothers and is organised by a body such as the Scottish Pre-School Playgroups Association? Does he agree also that that is preferable to the more costly and formal education provided by local authorities? Will he encourage local authorities to support such bodies?
§ Mr. FletcherMy hon. Friend is correct. The voluntary part-time play groups do a valuable job. The figures suggest that more Scottish children attend such voluntary groups than nursery schools.
§ Mr. DouglasThe Under-Secretary of State referred to voluntary bodies. Will he take cognisance of the plight of the Scottish Council for Spastics? Is he aware that under his Administration it has had to sell its investment to pay the penal amount of VAT levied on it and other similar organisations?
§ Mr. FletcherThat matter does not come within the scope of the question. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to make representations, I am sure that my hon. Friend will be pleased to hear from him.