HC Deb 03 November 1987 vol 121 cc777-8
15. Mr. Steinberg

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has any plans to extend the provision of pre-five education; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dunn

The Government's plans for expenditure on education allow for provision attributable to under-fives to continue broadly at today's levels. It is for local education authorities to determine the scale and nature of such provision in the areas that they serve.

Mr. Steinberg

The Minister must realise that three out of every five children are denied nursery education. The record of Tory education authorities is abysmal. Nine out of 10 worst providers are Tory-controlled councils, and the best top 10 are Labour-controlled councils. Will the Minister provide extra resources for nursery education so that the Prime Minister's promise in 1972 that the vast majority of children would get nursery education can be realised?

Mr. Dunn

The hon. Gentleman may like to know that most local education authorities are now increasing provision. Currently, 43 per cent. of all three and four-year-olds are in nursery or primary classes, compared with only 37 per cent. in 1979. This is the highest proportion ever.