§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to extend the Sure Start programme in Leicestershire; and if he will make a statement. [144009]
§ Yvette CooperOur investment in Sure Start is set to more than double. By 2003–04, there will be 500 local Sure Start programmes, which will reach one third of all children aged under four living in poverty. The main criteria used in selecting districts for Sure Start are levels of disadvantage and poverty, though we also ensure a mix of rural, urban, semi-urban and coastal areas and a good spread across the country. As the programme develops, we shall examine ways in which Sure Start can reach disadvantaged young children living in small pockets of deprivation in otherwise affluent areas, and in rural areas. The areas invited to develop programmes will be announced in due course.