Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Thursday, 20 May 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 June 1999. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Thursday, 10 June 1999 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what steps have been taken by his Department to encourage parents to read to their young children. - Including ref to A little reading goes a long way.

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps have been taken by his Department to encourage parents to read to their young children. [85408] Ms Estelle Morris: We have run a series of TV and radio adverts advertising a free leaflet entitled "A little reading goes a long way". The leaflet offers parents practical advice about how to read with their children. Over 1 million copies have been requested so far and a further 2 million have been distributed through various outlets, including supermarkets and doctors' waiting rooms.

Secondary information