HC Deb 23 February 1939 vol 344 cc568-9
73. Mr. Hollins

asked the Minister of Health what steps have been taken or are contemplated by local authorities to offer to women refugees any opportunity for training as nurses in the hospitals under their control?

Mr. Elliot

I am informed that 19 town councils and three county councils have agreed to admit a limited number of refugees as probationers in their hospitals, and that suitable candidates are being allocated by the co-ordinating committee for refugees.

91. Wing-Commander James

asked the Minister of Health what instructions have been given to public assistance committees with regard to the issue of relief to alien refugees?

Mr. Elliot

I have not had occasion to make any communication to public assistance committees in this matter.

Wing-Commander James

Does that mean that any refugees are or are not eligible for relief?

Mr. Elliot

The public assistance authorities are, I think, well aware of their duty, and that is to relieve any person who is destitute.

94. Wing-Commander James

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now make a statement upon the periodical issue of a return showing the arrival and departure of alien refugees?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)

Steps have been taken for the preparation of a Statistical Statement, and I am anxious that there shall be no avoidable delay in issuing such information.

Wing-Commander James

Does that mean that we are to have a periodical return or not? It is the third time I have put the question.

Sir S. Hoare

Yes, Sir, it means that there is to be a return.