Nursery Education

Oral Answers to Questions — Wales – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 18 December 1972.

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Photo of Sir Anthony Meyer Sir Anthony Meyer , Flintshire West 12:00, 18 December 1972

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many nursery places will be made available by 1976 to children in Wales below five years of age under the proposals contained in the Government White Paper, Cmnd. 5174.

Photo of Mr Peter Thomas Mr Peter Thomas , Hendon South

I propose to invite local education authorities early in the New Year to submit their bids for the nursery programme announced in the White Paper. The number of places to be programmed by 1976 will be decided after their proposals have been studied.

Photo of Sir Anthony Meyer Sir Anthony Meyer , Flintshire West

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the far-reaching proposals—even if unfortunately not yet very detailed—which are outlined in the White Paper have given great satisfaction to the many people who have for a long time been pressing for an extension of nursery education?

Photo of Mr Peter Thomas Mr Peter Thomas , Hendon South

I agree with my hon. Friend. The response that I have had from people who are interested in this branch of the education service has been considerable. The White Paper announcement, particularly on nursery education, has been extremely well received.

Photo of Mr Alec Jones Mr Alec Jones , Rhondda West

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that many areas such as Rhondda traditionally send their children to school at the age of three? What we do not want from the right hon. and learned Gentleman is any attempt to restrict Rhondda from doing that in accordance with the White Paper.

Photo of Mr Peter Thomas Mr Peter Thomas , Hendon South

I think that over the last 2½ years we have had a very good record in the provision of service for children under five in Wales in particular under the urban aid programme. Local education authorities are now free to go ahead and provide nursery education from their own resources. This may result in the expansion of nursery provision before additional new buildings become available.