now accepting applications from parents for the cost of day care.

A Government spokesman said: "Letters have been mailed out to all 48 licensed nursery schools and day-care centres, apprising principals of the new subsidy, announced by Health and Family Services Minister Wayne Furbert in July.'' The new subsidy allows $50 per child per week and will be administered by the Department of Financial Assistance.

"The financial assistance of $50 per week, per child in the form of a day care subsidy, will be based on a family's social needs and on an assessment of the family's total income,'' continued the spokesman.

"The income assessment will follow practices associated with the Housing Allowance programme.'' Government statistics show some 1,700 children up to the age of four are in registered nurseries and day care centres. An additional 432 children are registered in Government pre-school facilities.