§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what demand is made by each nursery class opened on the rate support grant.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeInformation is not available in this form. The totals of relevant expenditure on education taken into account for the rate support grant settlement for 1971–73 provided for the expected growth of expenditure on nursery education but this was calculated by reference to overall numbers, not additional classes.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what studies are being carried out by her Department on the special needs for nursery education of children living in tall flats and in rural areas.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeMy right hon. Friend is aware of these needs. The Department of the Environment hopes to issue before the end of the year a design bulletin about play spaces and other facilities which should be provided for children in both new and existing housing areas.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice she will be giving to local education authorities about the future expansion of nursery education, in view of the need for nursery education to be part of the state system.
§ Mrs. ThatcherAs the hon. Lady is aware, our first priority for the present is the improvement of primary schools for children of compulsory school age. Later I hope that we shall be able to turn to the needs of nursery education, which will continue to benefit from the urban programme.