§ Captain Stricklandasked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken for the provision of day nurseries or other means for the care of young children whose mothers may be engaged in essential industrial work?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular letter which I have addressed to the welfare authorities of all areas in which the need for the provision of day nurseries has been notified to me by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. Already several day nurseries have been established in the north-western area, and steps are being taken to the same end in the Midlands and in other districts. The principal voluntary societies engaged in maternity and child welfare work are collaborating with my Department, and short courses of instruction are being arranged for persons suitable for employment as assistants in the nurseries.