HC Deb 17 March 1949 vol 462 c214W
81. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of Education whether, in view of the Report of the Joint Committee of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the British Paediatric Association, which amongst other things, stresses the great value of nursery schools for children of two and over, he will encourage the building of these schools and encourage local authorities to open nursery schools wherever possible.

Mr. Tomlinson

I know that nursery schools are valuable in fostering child health and relieving overworked mothers, and I am no less convinced of their intrinsic educational value. For the present, owing to the more urgent need for other educational provision, I cannot sanction the building of new nursery schools except where I am satisfied, after consultation with the Minister of Labour, that they are needed to assist the employment of married women in industry.