§ Mr. Linsteadasked the Minister of Health the extent to which the scheme for the provision of domestic help recommended in Circular 179/44, of 14th December, 1944, has been put into effect by local authorities.
1944. 1945. 1946. 1 Jan. 1 Mar. 1 Jan. 1 Mar. 1 Jan. 1 Mar. Children … … … 21 24 24 20 13 14 (22 at the present time). Staff … … … Unknown 10 8 10 8 9 Total number of beds available …25 Annual cost of the requisitioned premises … £ 307 The information asked for in the latter parts of the Question is not readily available and could be obtained only by a special examination of detailed records in all regions. It may, however, suffice for the hon. and gallant Member's purpose if I say that the greatest number of residential nurseries in use at any one time was 415, and that they provided accommodation for 13,033 children. About two-thirds of the premises used were requisitioned. Eighty per cent. of these nurseries have now been closed.