§ 35. Lynne JonesTo ask the Minister what action she is taking to improve access to affordable child care for working women. [66409]
§ Ms HewittThe Government is committed through its National Childcare Strategy to ensuring that accessible, affordable and quality childcare is available in every neighbourhood. There has been a substantial expansion in childcare nationwide and with a wide range of providers, ensuring real choice for parents. 497,000 new childcare places have been created since 1997, benefiting over 906,000 children and on track to meeting the Government's target of creating new places for 1.6 million children by 2004.