§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list those(a) individuals and (b) organisations who have made representations to him on child care; and if he will make a statement; [47421]
(2) when he proposes to announce his new proposals for child care; and if he will make a statement. [47420]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsI launched our Green Paper, "The National Childcare Strategy for Wales", on Monday 22 June.
Since I announced the Strategy last November, we have received representations on child care, either directly or through hon. Members from: (a) several individuals; (b) the following organisations: Chwarae Teg; Confederation of British Industry; Clybiau Plant Cymru; Kids' Clubs Network; Equal Opportunities Commission; Daycare Trust; Wales Pre-school Playgroups Association; Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin; Professional Association of Nursery Nurses; Vale of Clwyd Labour Party; Highway Methodist Playgroup; The Nursery, Nelson; and from my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, North (Ms Morgan).
§ Ms Julie MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how the funding allocated to Wales for the Welsh child care strategy will be divided up; and who will be responsible for allocating the money to the different sectors. [47844]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsThe consultation document on the National Childcare Strategy for Wales (Cmnd 3974), which I launched on 22 June, set out in full our proposals, which include funding of over £2.5 million in 1998–99. This will support a range of immediate priorities and will assist in the establishment of child care partnerships in each local authority in Wales. Work is now under way by 65W the Welsh Office to determine the specific allocations for local authorities and other agencies within the broad framework set out in the Strategy, and I hope to make a further announcement as soon as possible.