§ 90. Sir R. Aclandasked the Minister of Health whether he has now considered the proposal of the Kent County Council to close day nurseries, and particularly to close the day nursery at Pelham Road, Gravesend; and whether he will use his powers to over-rule these proposals and particularly to over-rule the proposal to close the day nursery in Pelham Road, Gravesend.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithMy right hon. Friend cannot fully consider the proposal of the county council until the time allowed by the National Health Service Acts for representations to be made by local authorities and other interested bodies has expired. The county council have decided to postpone the closing of the nurseries until the end of May, at the earliest, to allow time for proper consideration.
§ 114. Mr. Mitchisonasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the need for day nurseries in Kettering and other parts of Northamptonshire, where many mothers are employed in local industries; how many day nurseries there are in Kettering; how many in other parts of Northamptonshire; how many it is proposed to close; and whether he will disapprove the closing.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe county council maintain one day nursery in Kettering and two elsewhere in the county, and propose closing all three. My right hon. Friend cannot decide the question until the time allowed by the National Health Service Acts for representations to be made by local authorities and other interested bodies has expired.