§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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. [59722]
§ Angela EagleThe staff of this Department, including all the Agencies, have access to nursery places and holiday playschemes in a variety of locations across the country. The cost of this childcare varies according to the age of the child, the nature of the provision and the location of the childcare. However, there is a subsidy available to staff of up to £30 per child per week. This represents up to 50 per cent. subsidy on the total cost of care.
Each business unit is responsible for making their own detailed arrangements which are suitable for local circumstances. Detailed information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
The Department is developing its family friendly policies further, of which childcare is one, but not the only, dimension.