HC Deb 23 March 1988 vol 130 cc355-6
14. Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any proposals to encourage nursery education in Scotland.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

For 1988–89, provision for expenditure by local authorities on nursery education is £31 million, representing an increase of 26½ per cent. in real terms over the level of expenditure in 1979–80, but it is for individual authorities to determine the priority given to this subject in their areas and the form of provision made for pre-school children.

Mr. Worthington

Is it not disgraceful that the Secretary of State has cancelled five years' work by members of his staff, who extolled the value of nursery education arid called for more resources to be devoted to it? When will he give a lead in this matter?

Mr. Michael Forsyth

I am interested to note that the hon. Gentleman has given me the conclusions of a study that was never completed — [HoN. MEMBERS: "Smile."] This is a serious subject. The Scottish Office has no responsibility for nursery education and pre-school provision. I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman, of all hon. Members, should seek to persuade the Scottish Office to interfere in a matter that we have left to local authority discretion.