§ Mr. Rathboneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) when last the interdepartmental group for under-fives met; and if he will make a statement about what was discussed;
(2) what future plans he has for the interdepartmental group for under fives.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe interdepartmental consultative group on provision for under-fives met, under the Chairmanship of my hon. Friend the Minister for Health, with the Association of County Councils, the Association of Metropolitan Authorities, the National Association of Health Authorities, and representatives of the voluntary sector on 12 October. The matters discussed were the White Paper on the Law on Child Care and Family Services, co-ordination of services for under fives, training, the involvement of the Manpower Services Commission with services for under fives and the Under Fives Initiative. It was agreed that the group would meet with the same bodies before Easter. We intend that there shall in future be annual meetings of the group.