Pre-School Play Groups

HC Deb 24 March 1971 vol 814 cc131-2W

Mr. John Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department gives financial assistance to pre-school play groups in Scotland; and what plans he has to give such assistance.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Expenditure by local authorities on pre-school playgroups is normally assisted by Rate Support Grant. Under the urban programme, grants of 75 per cent. of expenditure have been offered to several local authorities assisting playgroups in urban areas of special social need and I shall be glad to consider any further proposals put forward by authorities in this field. I have also arranged for a grant of up to £4,000 to the Scottish Pre-School Playgroups Association for the year 1971–72 to enable them to employ a full-time adviser.