HC Deb 07 January 2003 vol 397 cc146-7W
Caroline Flint

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has been made of the role of regional development agencies in promoting growth of child care in industry; and if she will make a statement. [89114]

Alan Johnson

I strongly believe that the appropriate provision of child care makes an important contribution to the achievement of economic prosperity at national and regional level. Accordingly, officials in the Department and the Department for Education and Skills have been discussing with the RDAs ways in which they can help to promote and support both public and private provision of child care in their regions.