§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what funds from his Department are currently available to support the provision of nursery, creche or playcare facilities in education establishments and elsewhere.
§ Mr. NichollsThe Department does not provide any direct funding to support the provision of child care facilities, but training providers and employers are encouraged to help parents while their training is taking place. Training and enterprise councils will be able to contribute to help with child care from their local initiative funds. They will also have an important role in encouraging other organisations to help with child care. Lone parents on employment training are entitled to receive the costs of caring for their children under 16.