§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what crèche facilities are provided by his Department; and at what cost. [44865]
§ Dr. WhiteheadThe Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (Central) currently provides 12 subsidised nursery places in two London nurseries run by Westminster Children's Society and subsidises four nursery places for DTLR(C) staff in Hastings. In 2001–02 the Department also, exceptionally, paid subsidy on the first year costs of 4.5 places for DTLR(C) staff in Temple Quay, Bristol.
The DTLR also participates in the Westminster Holiday Playscheme. In 2001–02, DTLR staff took up 51 places on the scheme.
The Department's budget for 2001–02 for the provision of the subsidised element of its childcare provision was £50,600. The Department pays approximately 45 per cent. of the cost of places at the London nurseries—parents meet the remaining proportion. Places at the holiday playschemes are 50 per cent. subsidised by the Department.
The Department is conducting a review of childcare provision in DTLR(C), which will make recommendations on a range of options—including childcare vouchers.