§ Sir W. Davisonasked the Minister of Health what is the total number of children in the day nurseries throughout this country; the number of the staff; the total cost; and the average cost per child per week.
§ Mr. WillinkThe number of places in war-time nurseries was, in November, 1944, 68,548. In addition there were 3,570 places in the more informal nurseries established primarily for evacuees. The number of children on the register according to the latest complete return—for April, 1944—was 61,316. The number of staff at the same date was 13,126 nursery staff and 3,562 domestics. The amount paid to local authorities in England and Wales in the year ended 31st March, 1944, in respect of war-time nurseries was £3,453,000. This figure comprises both running costs and capital expenditure incurred by the local authorities. From an examination of expenditure in a selected number of nurseries it is estimated that the average net cost per child attendance, including amortization of capital costs, is 25s. a week.