§ Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Home Secretary whether he can state the estimated cost for the current financial year of maintaining the headquarters, regional offices and staffs of the Women's Voluntary Service for Civil Defence; on what date and under what conditions that body was empowered to undertake the organisation of day nurseries and nursery schools; and whether such work is being undertaken with the concurrence and cooperation of the established voluntary societies engaged in this form of social service?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe estimated expenditure for the current financial year falling on the Vote of my Department in respect of the headquarters and regional staff, including travelling, of the Women's Voluntary Services is £74,325. This sum does not include the cost of office accommodation, printing and stationery, which falls on the Votes of other Departments. I am not aware that this body has organised day nurseries and nursery schools, although it is giving valuable assistance in finding householders willing to put accommodation at the disposal of the Government and the local authorities for the reception of evacuated children under five. In this matter the organisa-1966W tion has been working in close co-operation with representatives of a number of voluntary societies interested in this form of social service, including the National Society of Day Nurseries and the Nursery Schools Association.