§ 16. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many additional nursery school places he estimates will be provided in 1983–84 compared with each of the past three years.
§ Dr. BoysonMy right hon. Friend expects an increase in the number of places in nursery classes rather than in nursery schools.
§ 38. Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many new nursery schools have been built since may 1979; and what are the plans for the future.
§ Dr. BoysonInformation is not available in the form requested because the establishment of nursery schools is not subject to section 12 of the Education Act 1980. Returns made to the Department over the three years from January 1979 indicate that, while the overall number of nursery schools fell by 11, eight authorities reported a total increase of 11; during the same period the number of primary schools with attached nursery classes rose by 462. The Government's expenditure plans allow for a gradual increase in the provision made for nursery education.