§ Mr. RathboneTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will review the availability and quality of pre-school education in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldPre-school education in Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. It is for local authorities in England to determine the most appropriate patterns of pre-school provision for their area. A committee of inquiry under my chairmanship is considering the quality of the educational experience offered to three and four-year-olds across various settings.