§ Mr. Patrick HallTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many extra pre-school places he plans to make available for three year olds next year. [89536]
§ Ms HodgeThe 57 Local Education Authorities receiving funding for three-year-olds for the autumn 1999 and spring 2000 terms have indicated that they can secure around 48,000 new free places for three year olds. From April 2000, further funding will be distributed across all Local Education Authorities. We are committed to ensuring that 66 per cent. of three year-olds have a free nursery place by 2002.