asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what circulars his Department has issued to local authorities on the provision of day care and after school facilities for the children of working parents.

My Department, jointly with the Department of Education and Science, has issued two circular letters on the co-ordination of local authority services for children under five—Local Authority Social Services Letter (76)5/Department of Education and Science Reference No. S21/47/105 issued in March 1976 and Local Authority Social Services Letter (78)1/Department of Education and Science Reference No. S47/24/013 issued in January 1978. Copies of both letters are in the Library. They offered guidance on the day care of young children, and emphasised the vital role of voluntary organisations and playgroups in the provision of these services. We have issued no separate circulars on after-school facilities.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek a supplementary estimate to enable him to meet demands for greater financial aid for day care provision for the under five year olds of working mothers and mothers who wish to work.

This would not be appropriate. Local authorities are responsible for the public provision of day care for under five year olds. The Government's contribution is made through the rate support grant arrangements.