§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what childcare provision is made available by his Department for the use of staff; what is the cost to parents of this childcare; how many parents used the facilities in the financial years(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98; and what proportion of total staff used these facilities in the financial years (i) 1996–97 and (ii) 1997–98. [59724]
§ Ms HewittThe Treasury participates in the Westminster Holiday Playscheme which provides childcare during school holidays for children between the ages of five and twelve. The cost to parents is currently £6.50 for each place booked.
The number of parents using the Playscheme facility on at least one occasion was 23 in the financial year 1996–97 and 22 in the financial year 1997–98. This represents 3 and 2 per cent. of total staff respectively.