§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what provision his Department makes for child care facilities for staff; what is the extent of subsidy to nursery310W places and holiday play schemes; if his Department (a) subscribes to "Childcare Solutions" and (b) makes child care vouchers available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe Department provides nursery facilities and holiday play care for its staff. It uses 30 places in an 80 place nursery which is run in consortium with other Government Departments. Consortium members pay the accommodation costs and in 1993–94 the Department's contribution was £12,246. The cost to the Department of providing holiday play care during the Easter and summer holidays in 1993–94 was £4,457. The Department is committed to providing child care where it is cost-effective in assisting the retention of trained and experienced staff. The cost of support is evaluated annually. The Department does not subscribe to "Childcare Solutions" or child care vouchers.