Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Patrick Hall (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 24 March 2010 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: I would like to inform the Prime Minister that there are now nine Sure Start children's centres in Bedford and Kempston, delivering high-quality, much respected and popular support to a wide range of families. Does my right hon. Friend agree that to cut back on the universal service so carefully built up over the past decade would be a tragic betrayal of future generations?

Answer: We have achieved our target of 3,500 Sure Start children's centres, which are now reaching 2.7 million children under five and their families. I understand that the view of the Conservative party is that the Sure Start centres should be restored to their original purpose, which only covered a minority of children. The Sure Start children's centres are now vital parts of every single community, and nobody should tamper with the advances made in helping children under five.

Secondary information