§ Hugh BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many free books have been provided for pre-school children in York. [188945]
§ Margaret HodgeWe do not hold details on the number of free books made available in York. The Sure Start Unit are funding the Bookstart scheme for the year 2004–05 to deliver a bag with two baby books to every six to nine month old baby in England. The pack also includes a booklet explaining how and why it is important to share books with young children, a booklist and an invitation to join the library. On 12 July the Chancellor announced an extension to this scheme to give packs to children at 18 months and three years old. This is in addition to children's access to books through local libraries.