§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, in the light of changing social circumstances, he will consider giving building permission for primary schools to have day nursery facilities, together with nursery facilities for very young children in future developments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonLocal education authorities are already free to provide nursery classes at new or existing primary schools within their nursery education building allocations. Nursery classes are not normally available for children below the age of three. The provision of day nursery facilities for young children under or over that age who are in need of care is the responsibility of local authority social services departments and as such a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services. I understand that he is ready to consider schemes for day nurseries in conjunction with other facilities if submitted with the agreement of all departments concerned.