§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what childcare provision is made available by his Department for the use of staff; what is the cost to parents of this childcare; how many parents used the facilities in the financial years(a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98; and what proportion of total staff used these facilities in the financial years (i) 1996–97 and (ii) 1997–98. [59723]
§ Dr. HowellsDepartmental staff in central London have access to a 32-place holiday playscheme for a minimum of 54 days each academic year. Staff contribute £7.50 per day per place towards the £16.17 daily fee.
From this year DTI staff in Cardiff have access to a local holiday playscheme for a contribution of £6.50 to the £13.00 daily fee per place. An annual contribution is also made towards the costs of an inter-Departmental Easter and Summer playscheme for staff in Government Office for the East Midlands.
Approximately 100 staff used the central London playscheme in 1996–97, rising to 189 staff (about 6 per cent. of London-based HQ staff ) in 1997–98. In 1996–97 and 1997–98 respectively 11 and 9 staff in the Government Office for the East Midlands used the local playscheme facilities.
429WIn addition, the Department offers a range of other family friendly policies to help staff balance their work and family lives including flexible working hours, part time working, 5 days' paid paternity leave, paid leave for domestic emergencies and career breaks.