§ 72. Mr. E. J. Williamsasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered a communication from the Ogmore and Garw Urban District Council intimating their refusal to co-operate in the Government's evacuation scheme if the income for billeting has to be brought into account for public assistance or unemployment purposes; and whether he will now give an undertaking that such income will not prejudicially affect allowances paid to persons in receipt of assistance from the Unemployment Assistance Board and/or public assistance committee?
§ Mr. ElliotThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am in sympathy with the view expressed in the communication from the council, and the hon. Member can be assured that any steps necessary to give effect to it will be taken by the Government if and when the occasion arises.
§ Mr. WilliamsWill the Minister reconsider this matter in view of the fact that it will militate against the success of the evacuation scheme at the reception end if the people are put to hardship by their billeting allowances being used to depress the allowances of the public assistance committees?
§ Mr. ElliotI have just said in my answer that I have met the hon. Member completely.
§ 90. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Health whether, before the area covered by the Easington District Council and the Seaham Urban Council was scheduled as neutral in the evacuation scheme, the local authorities concerned were consulted?
§ Mr. ElliotNo, Sir. It was not practicable to consult the wishes of individual local authorities in the classification of districts for the purpose of the evacuation scheme. Easington rural district has been scheduled as a reception area and Seaham urban district as a neutral area.