HC Deb 10 March 1978 vol 945 cc810-1W
Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much additional expenditure would be involved, over and above that predicted in the recent public expenditure White Paper, if the target of nursery places set in the 1972 White Paper, "A Framework for Expansion", were to be met in full by 1981–82.

Miss Margaret Jackson

It is estimated that to achieve the targets set out in the 1972 White Paper additional capital expenditure of at least £120 million would be required by 1981–82, and there would be additional current expenditure rising to about £20 million per annum by the same date.

Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many full-time equivalent places in nursery education she estimates will be available in 1981–82; and how far that figure will meet the demand estimated in the Plowden Report.

Miss Margaret Jackson

For the purposes of forward planning it has been estimated that in 1981–82 there will be 175,600 full-time equivalent places in nursery schools and classes in England and Wales. This will provide nursery education for 26 per cent. of the estimated population of three- and four-year-olds. In addition it is estimated that a further 22 per cent. of the combined three- and four-year-olds age group will he receiving education in other class in primary schools. The Plowden targets were for nursery education for 50 per cent. of three-year-olds and 90 per cent. of four-year-olds.

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