§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will give an estimate of the number of pre-school playgroups in England and Wales; how many local authorities support and advise pre-school playgroups; what plans she has for encouraging local education authorities support of pre-school playgroups; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeI estimate that there may be nearly 10,000 playgroups providing for up to 200,000 children. I 247W know of about 70 local authorities—mainly county councils and county borough councils, but including a number of smaller authorities—which support playgroups in various ways. I recognise the importance of the work done by playgroups, and local authorities which help those in socially deprived areas will continue to be eligible for Exchequer assistance under the Urban Programme.