HC Deb 15 January 1998 vol 304 c296W
Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what meetings he has had with the Scottish Pre-School Play Association to discuss(a) nursery provision and (b) the Nursery Voucher Scheme. [22382]

Mr. Wilson

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: There has so far been one Ministerial meeting with the Scottish Pre-School Play Association (SPPA): I met them on 11 July 1997, when we discussed pre-school education generally and the abolition of the pre-school voucher system in particular. I have also met Comhairle nan Sgoiltean Araich, another voluntary organisation concerned with pre-school education provision.

There is also regular contact between SPPA and officials. SPPA is part of a standing liaison group between officials and pre-school education providers in all the sectors. It is also a member of the National Child Care Forum, on which The Scottish Office is represented. In addition, SPPA is amongst the organisations which have been invited to respond, by 6 February, to a major consultation paper on the future of pre-school education, which I published last November.

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many meetings he has had with representatives of private nursery providers to discuss(a) the abolition of the Nursery Voucher Scheme and (b) alternative means of making nursery provision. [22383]

Mr. Wilson

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: There has so far been one Ministerial meeting with the Scottish Independent Nurseries Association (SINA): I met them on 24 September 1997 to discuss a wide range of issues, including the abolition of the pre-school voucher system and the way ahead for pre-school education thereafter.

There is also regular contact between SINA and officials. Together with the Scottish Council for Independent Schools (SCIS), SINA is part of a standing liaison group between officials and pre-school education providers in all the sectors. In addition, SINA and SCIS are amongst the organisations which have been invited to respond, by 6 February, to a major consultation paper on the future of pre-school education, which I published last November.