§ Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how and when she proposes to introduce the grant for after-school child care; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Government see out-of-school child care as being particularly important to working 349W mothers and have made a commitment to introduce a grant to be paid through TECs, to help set up out of school provision. A number of key issues have to be decided. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State intends to discuss these with the women's issues working group, which she 350W announced on 21 May. It is important that the provision is of good quality and meets the needs of both parents and children. We intend to introduce the grant as quickly as is consistent with that requirement.