§ Mrs. MaddockTo ask the right hon. Member for Berwick on Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission what decisions have been taken by the House of Commons Commission following the debate on child care facilities on 12 January.
§ Mr. BeithThe Commission has now considered its policy on child care facilities, and has taken into account the survey of demand by Research Services Ltd., the claim for child care voucher scheme by the trade unions representing House staff, and the views expressed by hon. Members during the debate on 12 January.
Since 1991, it has been the policy of the Commission as the employer of the staff of the House of Commons that, if a viable scheme for child care help could be devised, it would want it to go ahead. The Commission has concluded that a child care voucher scheme is immediately practicable and commands wide support. The Commission has decided to implement a voucher scheme in line with those currently in operation in the National Audit Office and the House of Lords. Vouchers will be available to employees of the Commission who work for at least 15 hours per week and who demonstrate that they need to pay someone other than their partner to look after their child or children. The scheme will cover children under the age of five or who are not yet attending full-time education, at a rate of £6 per day worked per family, which is taxable. It is hoped to have the new arrangements in place from 1 April. Further details will he issued to staff by the Establishments Office.
The Commission, in seeking to follow best employment practice, has taken full account of the arguments for assistance with child care. It hopes that the voucher scheme will provide effective help to existing staff, and benefit future recruitment. The introduction of these arrangements also firmly underlines the House's commitment to a policy of equal opportunity.