HC Deb 25 January 1999 vol 324 cc89-90W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what factors underlay the decision to change the rules governing the regulation of nanny agencies; [66931]

(2) what assessment he has made of the Better Regulation Task Force's report into the regulation of nannies. [66933]

Ms Hodge

More than 650 responses to the consultation paper on the regulation of early education and day care were considered in developing the proposals relating to nannies, including those advocating a national register. The Government concluded, like the Better Regulation Task Force, that a register would be bureaucratic and unworkable and would raise false expectations among parents. Rather, the Government propose to work with the industry to establish new, higher standards for nanny agencies which are clear to parents, supported by guidance to all parents on employing child carers in the home.