§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what child care provision his Department provides for pre-school age children of his Department's employees; what child care provision, for school holiday or after school care, is provided for employees' children aged five years and over; and what plans there are for increasing provision in the next five years; and how these are to be funded.
§ Mrs. RumboldMy Department has no child care provision for pre-school age children belonging to its employees or after school care provision for children aged five years and over. The Westminster holiday play scheme, supported by this and other Departments, is available during each of the school holiday periods to employees' children aged between five and 12.
The provision of creche facilities is currently under consideration in both the central London and Darlington offices. In London a questionnaire has been sent to all members of staff and the replies are being analysed. In Darlington similar demand investigations are taking place. If there is evidence that creche facilities would be used, they would be established on the basis that after the initial setting-up costs they should be generally self-financing.