HC Deb 04 July 2001 vol 371 cc175-6W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when the sure start proposals will be rolled out nationally. [1666]

Yvette Cooper

[holding answer 3 July 2001]: Sure start works with parents-to-be, parents and children to promote the physical, intellectual and social development of babies and young children. The Government's current plans are to establish 500 local programmes by 2004, in disadvantaged neighbourhoods throughout England. Of these, 260 programmes have been announced so far, of which 179 have now had their plans approved. We expect to announce further sure start programmes soon.