HC Deb 04 October 1939 vol 351 cc1963-4
Mr. Elliot

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of the House, I desire to make a statement on the subject of the recovery of billeting costs under the Government evacuation arrangements. The Government has decided to introduce a scheme whereby a reasonable propor- tion of the cost of billeting school children will be recovered from the parents, thought it is hoped that all those who are in a position to pay the full cost will be willing to do so. As the House is aware, the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have been examining this question for some time, and we have had, in particular, the advantage of consultation with representatives of local government bodies in England and Scotland. Circulars on the subject are being sent to-day to local authorities in both countries, and copies of these circulars will be available for hon. Members in the Vote Office this evening. I should add that the scheme will not be retrospective, and that it is intended that it should come into operation on 28th October.

Mr. Herbert Morrison

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to make it clear that the responsibility for policy as to the charges which will be made is the responsibility of His Majesty's Government and not that of the officers of local authorities who will be used by the Government in administering the scheme?

Mr. Elliot

Yes, Sir; that will be made clear.

Mr. Thorne

Is it intended to make this obligatory, and, if there are any defaulters, what does the right hon. Gentleman intend doing?

Mr. Elliot

The hon. Member will be well advised to await the circular, where these matters are set out in full detail, and it will be available in the Vote Office this evening.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking into consideration, either now or in the future, the question of raising the allowances in respect of children of 16 years or over?

Mr. Elliot

Yes, Sir; there is a question down on that point for to-morrow.