Mr Willetts said that if the Labour Government was trying to helpmothers into the workforce, it needed to provide a high quantity of carefor long hours. However, he said, if childcare programmes were forhelping children's cognitive development, a high quality of care wasrequired for shorter periods.
Mr Willetts said the Conservatives were carrying out a Childhood Review,which is investigating seven issues affecting children in the UK. Themesinclude play and space, combating bullying, and school and clubtrips.
Researchers for the review have met with organisations such as PlayEngland, the Children's Society and the NSPCC.
Mr Willetts said, 'Children need outdoor space, room for everydayadventures. One of the key issues we are looking at, therefore, issimply how we can try to ensure that children still have a world of playand space where they can be themselves.'
He added, 'We are examining how parents can give their children theopportunity to engage in challenging and stimulating play at the sametime as protecting them from risks such as abduction, abuse andinjury.'
The review's findings will be published in the autumn.