HC Deb 17 July 1956 vol 556 cc81-2W
Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Education what steps he will take to establish more nursery schools and nursery classes in accordance with the 1944 Education Act for England and Wales, the 1945 Act of Scotland, and the Education Act (Northern Ireland) 1947.

Sir D. Eccles

My first aim is to reduce the size of classes for children of compulsory school age in primary and secondary schools. Until this is achieved, I must continue to discourage local education authorities from diverting any more of their resources of staff or accommodation to the teaching of children under five. Questions about Scotland should be directed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, and Education in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Government.