HC Deb 28 February 1939 vol 344 cc1087-8
76. Captain Peter Macdonald

asked the Minister of Health whether, in drawing up any scheme which may be thought desirable for the establishment of holiday camps, he will have careful regard to the desirability of placing them in such situations that they do not cause unfair competition with existing seaside resorts, where the livelihood of many persons depends on maintaining the number of visitors?

Mr. Bernays

The primary peace-time use of the 50 camps at present contemplated is for school children. Having regard to the fact that both for this purpose, and in order to be most useful as an aid to evacuation in war-time, the camps should be within a reasonable distance of the large urban centres, my right hon. Friend thinks there is no ground for anticipating competition with seaside resorts.

Mr. Garro Jones

What does the hon. Gentleman regard as a reasonable distance? Can he give an approximate idea of the distance he has in mind?

Mr. Bernays

I should require notice of that question.

Mr. Garro Jones

Has it been decided, or is this one of the matters that have not yet been decided?

Mr. Bernays

I could not, without notice, state the exact figure.

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