§ 48. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is aware that there are no nursery schools in the Borough of Barking, Essex, and only one nursery class in a denominational school in the parliamentary constituency of Barking; and if she will consider the letter dated 3rd March from the Chief Education Officer of Barking asking her approval of the provision of further nursery classes in the Borough.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeMy right hon. Friend recognises that the facilities available for nursery education in Barking are limited to six nursery classes attached to primary schools. Because at present the improvement of primary schools for children of compulsory school age and the provision of nursery places in areas of multiple social deprivation under the urban programme take priority in the allocation of resources, the Barking local education authority has been asked to defer its proposal to provide additional nursery places.