§ Mr. SINKINSONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether there have been any additions to the number and accommodation of nursery schools in Scotland or changes in average attendance and cost since his reply in the House of Commons on 18th February, 1930; and whether he can give figures of the numbers of day nurseries and child gardens maintained or aided by local authorities under maternity and child-welfare schemes, the number of children accommodated, the average attendance, and cost?
Mr. W. ADAMSONThere have been certain additions to the supply of nursery school accommodation since my reply of 18th February, 1930. The Scottish Education Department are now990W aware of the existence of 25 nursery schools in Scotland, nine conducted by education authorities, 15 under voluntary management and one conducted by a provincial committee for the training of teachers. I regret that more recent figures as to average attendance and cost are not available at present. The information available to the Department of Health for Scotland indicates that there are over 50 day nurseries and child gardens, providing accommodation for about 1,500 children, maintained or aided under maternity and child welfare schemes. The Department's information, which is not necessarily complete, is based on approvals given by them under the grant arrangements in force till 15th May last and includes institutions known to have been provided since that date. I regret that figures of average attendance and cost are not available.