§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many registered child minders there are.
§ Sir George YoungI gave the latest figures in my reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) on 13 April—[Vol. 3, c.55.]
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if there is evidence that child minders are receiving very low rates of pay; and whether he plans to take any action in this matter;
(2) if he will give consideration to a proposal that all child minders should be registered and properly employed by their local authorities.
§ Sir George YoungI have seen the report of the recent survey by the low pay unit. Child minders make a valuable contribution to the care of children of working parents. Current legislation already requires them to be registered with the local authority, but the fees they charge are a matter for private agreement between child minders and parents. Local authorities and voluntary organisations are beginning to provide support and training schemes for child minders and some employ or sponsor a small number of child minders for children with special social or health needs. In my view, these developments offer the best opportunity for progress.