§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what will be the structure and level of charges for the additional after-school child care places announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer; [19027]
(2) what restrictions will be placed on eligibility for the additional after-school child care places announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer; [19028]
(3) what estimate he has made of the proportion of the 1 million additional after-school child care places which will be taken up by lone parents currently receiving income support. [19029]
(4) what he expects to be the annual income from charges for additional after-school child care places announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer; and if the estimated costs of the scheme are gross of revenue from charges; [19030]
(5) how many additional after-school child care places he expects to be in place by (a) April 1998, (b) October 1998 and (c) April 1999; and when he expects the target of 1 million extra places to be reached. [19034]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthIt is too early to give detailed information of this kind. We expect that most of the funding will be allocated in response to bids and plans 317W which originate at local level. The precise nature of the projects supported will therefore vary according to local needs and circumstances. We shall be developing further guidance over the next few months. We expect the funding to be complemented by investment from other sources, such as employers. These projects are part of a wider National Child Care Strategy which will help parents, especially women, to balance family and working life and my right hon. Friend, Secretary of State for Education and Employment will make an announcement in the first part of next year.