To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the arrangements for providing and funding nursery education for four-year-olds following the abolition of the nursery voucher scheme. [4118]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has for the replacement of the nursery voucher scheme; and what are the financial implications of these plans. [4124]

The Government's plans were set out in my right hon. Friend's reply to a question from the hon. Member for Barking (Ms Hodge) on 22 May, Official Report, column 128 and in the Department's letter of 22 May to Chief Education Officers, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.As early-years development plans take effect, nursery education places occupied by eligible four-year-olds will be funded through local education authorities from the resources previously available for vouchers.