§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her answer of 6 December,Official Report, columns 819–20, what is the total budgeted spending by training and enterprise councils on out-of-school childcare in 1996–97 and planned spending for 1997–98 and 1998–99, indicating for each year the percentage change on the previous year. [13949]
§ Mr. Paice[holding answer 4 February 1997]: The information requested is contained in the table.
1996–97 Expected spend 1997–98 plans 1998–99 plans Expenditure (£ million) 9.63 4.10 4.10 Percentage change — -57 nil The out of school childcare initiative was originally a fixed-term programme due to finish in 1996–97. In the light of its success, the Secretary of State decided that the programme should continue.