§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any proposals to assist local authorities to extend the provision of pre-school education to children in their area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe planning figure for nursery education included in the revenue support grant settlement has been increased by almost 15 per cent. between 1988–89 and 1989–90. It is, however, for local authorities to determine the level of provision of nursery education in their area in the light of local need and competing priorities.
§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has regarding the proportion of children aged three years and four years who are in receipt of local authority provided nursery education in each islands and regional council in Scotland; and if he will give the equivalent figures for 1979.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Fife, Central (Mr. McLeish) on 17 January at column62.