§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Green Paper on the child care strategy for Scotland will be published. [42769]
§ Mr. DewarOur Green Paper "Meeting the Childcare Challenge: A Childcare Strategy for Scotland" is being published today.
The Green Paper sets out how we intend to make a reality of our manifesto commitment to develop a childcare strategy for Scotland. It is the first time a Government have a coherent and strategic approach to childcare. We are backing the strategy with a substantial investment of public money: almost £5 million extra in 1998–99 with a further £25 million to come on stream from lottery resources through the new opportunities fund over the years 1999–2003.
339WThe Green Paper sets out three steps to the strategy: raising quality, making childcare more affordable and making it more accessible. I am appointing a Scottish Childcare Board to provide an external source of advice as we implement the Strategy. At local level, local childcare partnerships will be set up to plan and co-ordinate developments in childcare, so that we can build on what already exists to ensure that every neighbourhood has the childcare available which meets its needs.
Our Green Paper sets out how we will take forward the childcare strategy for Scotland. The principles upon which it is founded apply across the United Kingdom and my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Education and Employment and the Secretary of State for Social Security and Minister for Women are also issuing a Green Paper on the national childcare strategy today. My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland and Wales are also planning to consult on these matters in the near future.
Copies of the Green Paper will be available in the Vote Office.