§ Mr. BarnesTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what provision his Department makes for child care facilities for staff; what is the extent of subsidy to nursery 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. NelsonThe Government's policy is that child care assistance must be justified on value for money grounds, and that any child care arrangements must offer the best value for money choice.
On this basis the Treasury participates in the Westminster holiday play scheme which provides child care for children between the ages of five and 12 during school holidays. A 60 per cent. subsidy is provided to staff.
Until the end of July 1994, the Treasury and the Central Statistical Office are offering two places in a Westminster-based nursery for use by staff in emergencies. A 50 per cent. subsidy is given to staff earning less than £25,000 per annum. However, the contract has been terminated because of low usage. The Treasury does not subscribe to "Childcare Solutions" or make child care vouchers available.
The Treasury is about to undertake a survey of staff to establish what child care provision might provide best value for money in future.