§ Sir Graham BrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the number of four-year-olds not at present receiving nursery education in Bedfordshire who would do so with the introduction of nursery vouchers. [20747]
§ Mr. Robin SquireThe annual school census for January 1996 will give detailed information in the existing provision in maintained schools. The number of additional places created through the nursery voucher scheme in any local authority area will depend on the response of providers to parental demand. We are currently collecting data from every local education authority on its number of four-year-olds, including those in nursery education. I am confident that providers of all types, either alone or in partnership will satisfy parental demand over time.