§ 5. Miss Joan Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans she has for developing nursery education in areas of special need.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonProvision of nursery education is the responsibility of local education authorities. But in allocating capital resources for this purpose my right hon. Friend and her predecessors have always taken account of authorities' proposals to expand provision in areas of special social need. Of the £2½ million allocated for 1977–78, about £2 million is for such projects.
§ 20. Mr. Watkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she remains satisfied with the provision of nursery education.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonMy right hon. Friend will not be satisfied until all children have the opportunity to benefit from nursery education. Meanwhile, despite present financial difficulties, she has maintained a modest building programme which will enable half the local148W education authorities to expand their nursery education provision.
§ 24. Mr. Silvesterasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if it remains her policy to extend the provision of education in nursery schools.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonThe Government are continuing to make resources available for the expansion of nursery education provision, but our policy has been to encourage provision in the form of nursery classes attached to primary schools rather than as separate nursery schools.