§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will increase the level of funding for nursery scheme places in the private and voluntary playschool sector. [112419]
§ Jane KennedyUnder the Pie-School Education Expansion Programme, the rate of funding for places in the private/voluntary sector is increased each academic year in line with inflation. In the current year (2002–03) the grant to playgroups for each funded place is £1,230. From September 2003 the rate will rise to £1,265 per place.