§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he proposes to take to ensure that applicants690W for registration as childminders take part in a local authority approved course of pre-registration training, and that registered childminders do not discriminate against children or their families on grounds of ethnic origin, culture or religion.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeLocal authority social service departments have a duty to register childminders under the Nurseries and Childminders Regulation Act 1948. We intend to revise that legislation by introducing amendments in the Children Bill, now going through Parliament. We shall consider whether it is appropriate to specify training requirements in new legislation. Section 20 of the Race Relations Act 1976 makes it unlawful for a person who provides facilities or services to the public or a section of the public to discriminate against any person who seeks to obtain those services, that is to treat him less favourably on racial grounds. I am advised that childminders are within the scope of that provision and I am satisfied that it is not necessary or desirable to make any further provision in legislation.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from(a) childminding associations, and (b) childcare and family service organisations, with regard to the White Paper, "The Law on Childcare and Family Services"; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have received representations on the Government's proposals for new legislation to regulate independently provided day care and out of school services set out in the White Paper from the National Childminding Association, the Staffordshire County Childminding Association and the pre-School Playgroups Association. We intend to introduce amendments to the Nurseries and Childminders Regulation Act 1948, which currently regulates these services, in the Children Bill.