HC Deb 05 April 1976 vol 909 c61W
Mr. Ron Lewis

asked 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. Owen

No 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.