§ 73. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Minister of Education if he is aware that there is a shortage of nursery schools in north Manchester; and if he will make a statement on his policy regarding such schools.
§ Sir E. BoyleMy right hon. Friend is aware of the demand for nursery school places in Manchester. His policy is to maintain the existing supply of nursery schools, but not to increase it for the present because this would entail the diversion of resources from other important objectives.
§ 75. Mr. Shortasked the Minister of Education how many nursery school or nursery class places are available in England and Wales now and in each of the past four years.
§ Sir E. BoyleThe following is the answer:
NUMBER OF PUPILS ON THE REGISTERS OF GRANTAIDED NURSERY SCHOOLS AND IN NURSERY CLASSES IN MAINTAINED PRIMARY SCHOOLS — Number on register in d aide grant -aided nursery schools Number on register in nursery classes maintained in schools 1954 … 23,469 58,172 1955 … 23,944 57,414 1956 … 24,143 58,812 1957 … 23,765 55,866 1958 … 23,012 57,539