§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. LangThe Scottish Office has its own on-site nursery at East Craigs, Edinburth which is registered for 15 full-time places and operates on a mix of full and part-time attendance. Those using the facility meet its running costs with accommodation costs being met by my Department. The Scottish Office takes occupancy of a major new building at Victoria quay, Leith in the autumn of 1995. Our plans for this building include a 30 to 35-place nursery.
Additionally, staff in my Department can place children in the central holiday play scheme, in Edinburgh. The facilities are available to staff on a full repayment basis although my Department makes a small contribution of around £500 to the play scheme to help with the cost of outings. Discussions are also taking place about a similar play scheme in the Glasgow area.