HC Deb 16 February 1984 vol 54 c309W
Mr. Jim Callaghan

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to expand the number of nursery school places.

Mr. Dunn

The choice between nursery school and nursery class provision and early admission to infants school is for local education authorities. The proportion of 3 and 4-year-olds receiving educational provision has risen from 37 per cent. in January 1979 to 40 per cent. in January 1983 — the highest level ever. The Government's plans for local education authority expenditure in 1984–85 allow for this improved participation rate to be maintained.