HC Deb 26 February 1997 vol 291 cc265-6W
Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many new nursery voucher places for four-year-olds have been created in each of the four pilot local education authority areas; at what cost; and if he will make a statement. [16139]

Mr. Robin Squire

The nursery education voucher scheme has already stimulated an encouraging expansion of places in the phase 1 areas, as described in paragraphs 8.21 to 8.25 of the Department's report on phase 1, copies of which have been placed in the Library. I expect that expansion to continue in phase 2.

Ms Hodge

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what advice she plans to issue to pre-school providers on the admission of four-year-olds who do not have a nursery education voucher from April 1997. [16056]

Mr. Squire

The Department has sent advice to all providers who will participate in the nursery education voucher scheme from April, and additional guidance to LEAs and maintained primary schools.