HC Deb 18 October 1939 vol 352 c849
13. Dr. Edith Summerskill

asked the Minister of Transport whether he can now say how soon after the settling down process has been completed in reception areas he will give parents of evacuated children cheap travelling facilities?

Captain Wallace

The question as to when it would be wise, assuming that the conditions of transport permit, to provide special facilities for visits of parents to the reception areas is one primarily for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

Dr. Summerskill

Did the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not say in reply to my question that he agreed with the Minister of Health that these facilities might be given? Has he reviewed the situation since then?

Captain Wallace

In reply to the hon. Lady a fortnight ago I said that the question was primarily one for the Minister of Health, and that if the Ministry of Health take action in the matter my Department will do what they can, provided the transport situation permits, to assist.

Sir A. Knox

Will the Minister consult the reception areas, where the weekly influx of these parents is an unmitigated nuisance?

Mr. Benjamin Smith

Is it not the policy of the Ministry of Transport to keep fares high so as to prevent parents visiting their children?

Captain Wallace

That would be a most unfair interpretation of what I have said.