HC Deb 29 March 1994 vol 240 c734W
20. Ms Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to expand nursery provision; and if he will make a statement.

22. Mr. Gallie

To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will make a statement on the provision of private sector nursery education and its relationship to state nursery education provisions.

23. Mr. Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to extend nursery education to all four and five-year-olds whose parents want it.

Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recommendations he has for nursery education.

Mr. Robin Squire

Over 90 per cent. of three and four-year-olds already receive some form of pre-school provision, whether in maintained nursery and primary schools or in playgroups or elsewhere in the private sector. Our policy is to promote diversity, choice, quality and cost-effectiveness. We are currently reviewing possible ways of extending opportunities still further for the under fives, as resources allow. We will announce our conclusions when we are ready.

Mr. Boyes

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate his Department has made of the educational and social benefits of nursery education.

Mr. Robin Squire

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) on 17 February at columns 934–35.