asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in view of the recommendations of the Bullock Report, he will request those local education authorities currently planning reductions in nursery and preschool provision to reverse their decisions and, if necessary, provide grant aid to this end.

My right hon. Friend has already made it clear that he is determined to maintain the impetus of the nursery education programme and looks to authorities to play their part. He has, however, no power to provide grant aid for this purpose.