To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission, what facilities are made available to Members of House staff to assist with child care costs and arrangements; and if he will make a statement. (81504)

The House provides child care vouchers to the value of £8 per child per day. The Commission favours the child care voucher scheme because of its flexibility and availability to staff wherever they are based. Vouchers are available for children up to and including age 11. The vouchers can be used to pay registered child minders, nurseries, playgroups, crèches, nannies, holiday play schemes for school age children, and close relatives who care for children, thus allowing staff a range of choices when making their child care arrangements. Information can be found on the parliamentary intranet. The scheme is currently under review to ensure the House continues to offer the most appropriate arrangements for the majority of staff.