30. Mr. Graham Whiteasked the Minister of Health the number of camps which have been completed under the Camps Act, 1939; and by whom or by what organisation they are now occupied?
§ Mr. ElliotOne camp is completed and three others are on the point of completion. The camps when completed will normally be used for the accommodation of evacuated persons. Arrangements have already been made for one of the camps to be occupied by London County Council handicapped children. A list of the camps coming into completion is being kept under consideration between the 1546 President of the Board of Education and myself. I should add that as a special arrangement one camp is at present being temporarily occupied by evacuated female staff of the Bank of England engaged on work of national importance.
Mr. WhiteAre the Bank of England making adequate payment for this accommodation, and does the right hon. Gentleman hope to evacuate them as soon as possible so that the camp can be used for the purpose for which Parliament intended it?
§ Mr. ElliotYes, Sir, full payment is being made and full payment will be made for any alterations. They are under notice to move, and it is intended that they should move as soon as they can find billeting accommodation in neighbouring towns.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonCan the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government let the Bank of England go there when they knew perfectly well that these camps would be required for handicapped children?
§ Mr. ElliotIt was very desirable to get all those bodies which were engaged on work of national importance accommodation as soon as possible. This was a camp on the point of completion, and it will be evacuated as soon as we need it.
§ Mr. HicksIs it not a fact that notice has already been given to remove from the camp, and have not the Bank indicated their willingness to move and are making speedy arrangements to do so?
§ Mr. ElliotYes, they are under notice to move and they are making arrangements for a speedy transfer.