Playgroups

HC Deb 03 June 1998 vol 313 cc257-9W

Mr. Dawson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what support he plans to make available to playgroups in the current financial year. [43422]

Ms Estelle Morris

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr. Hammond) on 12 May 1998, Official Report, column 86. In addition, pre-schools and playgroups have benefited from the extra £6 million for childcare places announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 6 May, and the Pre-School Learning Alliance will receive a grant of £1.6 million for training and other support for pre-schools.