§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will state departmental policy towards the provision of day nursery facilities.
§ Mr. MoyleThe Government are committed to the development of day care services for under-fives including day nurseries, and consider that priority in the allocation of places should be given to children with a special social or health need for day care. Responsibility for the provision of day nursery places rests with local authorities.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if it is his policy to encourage National Health Service employees to continue in their employment through the provision of day nursery facilities in National Health Service hospitals.
§ Mr. DeakinsMy Department has advised health authorities that it is open 401W to them to provide nursery facilities if this is justified in order to secure staff who would not otherwise take up hospital employment.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on departmental policy towards the retention of day nursery facilities at Airedale hospital, Eastburn.
§ Mr. DeakinsProvision of such facilities is a matter for the health authority concerned, within the context of the general guidance given by my Department.