HC Deb 07 December 1939 vol 355 cc788-9
14. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will take steps to enable the Unemployment Assistance Board to pay to parents whose children are evacuated a distance from their homes such sum as would enable the parents to pay their children an occasional visit?

Mr. E. Brown

The hon. Member will be aware, from the reply given by the Minister of Transport on 15th November to the hon. Member for Oldham (Mr. Hamilton Kerr), of the special arrangements which have been made in consultation with the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health for Scotland to enable parents of evacuated children to visit their children in the country before Christmas. I am informed by the Unemployment Assistance Board that they have had these arrangements under consideration and are instructing their officers that, if any of their applicants wish to take advantage of the facilities provided but are unable to do so without further assistance, such assistance may be given.

Mr. Strauss

Is the Minister aware that many applicants in South London have applied for further assistance and have been refused?

Mr. Brown

I cannot deal with such cases unless I have notice of them, but I think my answer shows that the Board are sympathetic.