§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretan' of State for Social Services how much money has been allocated to Cumbria since reorganisation of local government for the establishing and running of pre-school play groups; and if there are any plans for expansion of this service in Cumbria.
§ Dr. OwenNo allocations are made to local authorities specifically for preschool playgroups; the levels of expenditure are decided by local authorities themselves. Expenditure by Cumbria County Council on pre-school playgroups in 1974–75 totalled £5,662, accounted for entirely by grants to voluntary organisations. The playgroup movement's steady expansion in Cumbria over recent years is expected to continue and will, I hope, be assisted by the increase in grant aid for the Pre-School Playgroups Association that my right hon. Friend announced in February, part of which is to help the Association's regional centre in Newcastle.