HC Deb 28 April 1938 vol 335 cc274-5
2. Sir William Jenkins

asked the Minister of Labour whether the Commissioner for Special Areas contemplates closing any school camps in any part of the depressed areas in South Wales; and, if so, will any of the expenditure incurred by the authorities in those areas be paid from the Commissioner for Special Areas Fund by way of compensation?

Mr. E. Brown

With the exception of the camp at Pembrey, as regards which I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 14th April, 1938, the Commissioner for the Special Areas does not contemplate closing any school camps in South Wales. With regard to Pembrey, no part of the capital cost of the camp has been borne by local authorities. Such educational equipment as has been provided by these authorities will remain their property, and the question of compensation does not, therefore, arise.

Sir W. Jenkins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is depriving 2,000 children from the distressed areas of their camp during the summer period, and has he made no preparation for them to go somewhere else?

Mr. Brown

I cannot accept the position stated in that way. It will depend on how many children come forward this year. The position has arisen owing to the fact that work is to be provided at a factory on that site.

Sir W. Jenkins

I want to know what preparation has been made because the Minister of Health has been asking us to look after the health of the children in the distressed areas, but here is the Minister of Labour taking this camp away.

Mr. George Hall

Is no provision of any kind to be made to take the place of the camp which is being taken away?

Mr. Brown

I am not sure until the Special Area Commissioner surveys the ground with the authorities for the coming season whether we shall need something or not.

Sir W. Jenkins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no notification of any kind has been sent to the local authorities in connection with the closing of this camp?

Mr. Brown

I am not aware of that.