§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education how much his Department spends on child care; on what provision the sum is spent; how many children receive the child care; and if he will make a statement about child care.
§ Mr. Robin SquireLondon-based staff are able to use the Westminster holiday play scheme, which is organised by the Office of Public Service and Science. The cost of places is shared equally by parents and the Department. In the year ending 31 March 1993 six members of staff used the scheme for their children on one or more occasions, at a cost to the Department of £821.
32WDarlington-based staff have access to a play scheme which was set up at the instigation of the Department for Education. Places are shared with other civil servants working in the Darlington area. In the current financial year the accommodation cost to this Department will be £2,705, and 73 children of DFE staff will use the scheme.
The Department contributes towards child care facilities as part of its policy of promoting equal opportunities for staff with domestic commitments.