§ 2. Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to increase the level of nursery provision; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science (Mr. Bob Dunn)None. My right hon. Friend has very recently restated the Government's policy on the education of under-fives in his memorandum on the report of the Education, Science and Arts Committee in the previous Session, which the House will remember was entitled "Achievement in Primary Schools".
§ Mr. SteinbergI am sure that the majority of hon. Members appreciate the importance of nursery provision to future education and social development. Is it not deplorable that only 23 per cent. of our children get nursery provision? Will the Minister explain what provision he intends to make, bearing in mind that in 1972 the Prime Minister promised that by 1982 there would be nursery provision for 90 per cent. of our children? Is it not deplorable also that the Government hide behind the record of Labour local authorities that provide nursery provision—[HON. MEMBERS: "Too long".]—Not long enough. The 10 best performers are Labour-controlled local authorities and the worst 10 are Tory-controlled.
§ Mr. SpeakerI ask for brief questions.
§ Mr. DunnI remind the hon. Gentleman that provision and demand in the nursery sector are discretionary. Nevertheless, most education authorities are gradually increasing provision. At present there are 272,000 children in nursery schools or classes, and that is the highest number ever reached.