§ Mr. Armstrongasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of financial assistance to voluntary bodies organising pre-school playgroups in the Northern Region; and if he will give the number of places provided in such groups.
§ Mr. AlisonThe only information available centrally about financial assistance to playgroups in the Northern Region is that relating to expenditure approved under the Urban Programme. Details were included in the Answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Home Office to the hon. Member on 9th March. On 31st December, 1969, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 9,398 places in premises in the Region registered by voluntary organisations and private persons for the sessional care of children aged under five.—[Vol 813, c.78–84.]