§ Ms. ArmstrongTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list those local authorities which have waiting periods of six to 12 months, 12 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months, and over 24 months for registration of childminders;
(2) what information is available on the average time being taken by local authority social services departments to approve registration of childminders.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThis information is not held centrally.
Guidance issued in April by the Department* in connection with the Children Act 1989, which comes into force on 14 October, advises that local authorities should ensure that decisions on applications for registration by childminders are normally reached within three months of receipt of the application.
*The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations Volume 2—Family Support, Day Care and Educational Provision for Young Children, copies of which are available in the Library.