Written question asked by Lord Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 July 1998. It was answered by Win Griffiths (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 July 1998 on behalf of the Welsh Office.

Welsh Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, to comment on progress in Wales in the provision of nursery and pre-school places under his childcare strategy. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Barry Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on progress in Wales in the provision of nursery and pre-school places under his childcare strategy. [51211] Mr. Win Griffiths: I am giving careful consideration to the early years development plans for 1998-99 submitted by Welsh local authorities. From 1 September an early years education place should be available to all four year olds whose parents want one. The Government's objective for future years is to increase the level of provision available to three-year-olds through a combination of local authority, private and voluntary sector settings. The additional resources I announced for education on 15 July will have a part to play in this. We are also making resources available under the National Childcare Strategy in Wales to ensure that all providers of nursery and pre-school care are able to play their part in meeting our objectives for child care and early education. In 1998-99 £50,000 will be available for good pre-school playgroups which are threatened with closure. And we will make available £250,000 to ensure that child care provision can expand to complement early years education places for four-year-olds. Details of how this money will be made available will be announced shortly.

Secondary information