§ Dr. John Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether nursery education provision increased or decreased in England in 1980; whether he expects such provision to increase or decrease in 1981 following the recent rate support grant settlement; what representations he has received about the standard of such provision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonBetween January 1979 and January 1980 the number of pupils in nursery schools and nursery classes increased by about 5,600. It is for each local education authority to decide its priorities in educational expenditure follow the recent rate support grant settlement, but my right hon. and learned Friend does not anticipate that there will be any substantial overall change in the amount of nursery education provision in 1981. My right hon. and learned Friend has received no representations about the standard of provision.