§ Rev. Ian PaisleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the current population of four-year-olds in Northern Ireland;
(2) what is the current population of three-year-olds in Northern Ireland;
(3) what proportion of three-year-olds are within families with (a) single parents, (b) unemployed parents and (c) in receipt of family income supplement;
(4) what proportion of four-year-olds are within families with (a) single parent, (b) unemployed parents and (c) in receipt of family income supplement;
(5) what proportion of the population of Northern Ireland is under five years of age;
(6) if there are any plans to introduce an under-fives initiative to Northern Ireland;
(7) what financial or other assistance is given to preschool playgroups by (a) each area health and social services board and (b) each education and library board;
(8) how many mother and toddler groups operate in Northern Ireland: what assistance, financial or otherwise, is offered to them; and by whom.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 21 March 1988]: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the replies given to the hon. Member for Foyle (Mr. Hume) on 24 and 25 February 1988 at columns 189–90 and 328–29.