§ 35. Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what requests have been made to her for provision of public funds for nursery classes in Bournemouth; and what sums she intends to provide.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThe resources being made available for additional nursery provision under the urban programme are being concentrated in areas of acute social need, and therefore Bournemouth has not submitted any proposals.
§ 50. Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is her latest estimate of the cost of introducing universal nursery school education in England and Wales.
§ Mrs. ThatcherThe provision of nursery education in England and Wales by 1981 on the scale suggested in the Plowden Report would cost at 1972 prices at least £100 million in capital expenditure and would add about £50 million in current expenditure to that expected on present trends.
§ 55. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will initiate discussions with the Portsmouth City Council to consider how nursery school facilities can be extended, particularly in neighbourhoods such as Somers town, Landport, Portsea, Hilsea, Wymering, Highbury, Paulsgrove and other areas where the need is great; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeMy right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has recently invited local authorities to submit further proposals under the urban programme for projects in areas of multiple social deprivation. I hope that Portsmouth and other authorities will give high priority to additional facilities for nursery education.
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§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how soon he expects to be able to implement the proposals of the Plowden Report on Nursery Education; and if he has estimated the cost and possible timing of full implementation.
§ Mrs. ThatcherAt present I cannot add to what I said in the debate on nursery education on 12th May.—[Vol. 836, c. 1756–802.]