Mr. BowlsTo ask the Minister for the Civil Service what steps he is taking to encourage more creche facilities in the Civil Service.
§ Mr. LuceI outlined new arrangements for financing Civil Service child care schemes in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Batley and Spen (Mrs. Peacock) on 16 February at column311. Departments now have the freedom, within overall running cost provisions, to support child care schemes which can be justified in value for money terms. A part-time child care development officer has been appointed to the Cabinet Office, equal opportunities division to offer advice and practical help to Departments as required. A number of Departments are already developing plans for childcare provision for the under-fives. These include my own Department, the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office. The Civil Service college at Sunningdale is planning a creche which will be available to both staff and students.