§ 88. Mr. Astorasked the Minister of Education how many nursery schools of the type contemplated by the Education Act of 1944 have been built by local authorities; and how many have been closed since 1944.
§ Mr. TomlinsonTo the end of June, 1951, 27 nursery schools had been completed with accommodation for about 1,160 children. Since May, 1947, 25 nursery schools have been closed. These were, however, war-time establishments, and were closed for such reasons as unsuitability of premises or termination of tenancies.
§ Mr. Astorasked the Minister of Education what are the longest hours during 244W which nursery schools are open for the use of mothers at work in industry.
§ Mr. TomlinsonThe hours during which nursery schools are open are determined by the authorities of the individual schools. Some are known to be open from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., but by no means all nursery schools are open for such long hours. Extended hours are worked only to meet the requirements of women employed in essential industries.
§ Mr. Astorasked the Minister of Education whether nursery schools are open and available for the use of mothers with children two years old or under two years of age so as to enable them to work all day in industry.
§ Mr. TomlinsonNursery schools do not usually admit children under two years of age.