INFIRM AND OLD PEOPLE. (Hansard, 7 September 1939)

§ 2. Sir P. Harris
asked the Minister of Health whether any plans have been worked out for the evacuation from overcrowded areas of infirm and aged people who are not able to evacuate at their own expense; and, if so, when the scheme will come into operation?

§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Elliot)
The infirm and aged are not among the priority groups hitherto included in the Government's evacuation plans. Any extension of those plans that may be deemed necessary will have to be considered with regard to the needs of the situation generally.

§ Sir P. Harris
Does the Minister realise that in the overcrowded areas there are many old people between 70 and 80 years of age who really are not able to look after themselves? Could not something be done to enable them to be taken away from the danger zone as soon as possible?

§ Mr. Elliot
At the moment we have to concentrate on the problem of the school children and children under five. I hope it will be possible to consider further plans to deal with those who have not been evacuated.

§ Mr. Thorne
Will the Government come to the help of local authorities in some way or another in order to enable them to get away a large number of absolutely helpless people between 70 and 80 years of age?

§ Mr. Elliot
As I say, our first consideration must be the children, and, secondly, we must consider, also, the reception areas which are at the moment hardly pressed.

§ Mr. James Hall
As soon as the evacuation programme has been completed will the Minister be prepared to consider these old people as having special priority?

§ Mr. Elliot
As I say, I must give my mind to completing the task upon which we have started. After that I am willing to review the general position.

§ Mr. R. C. Morrison
Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind that there are many old people who have places to go to in the country but have not enough money to get there? Could he not undertake the evacuation of these old people and be prepared to give them facilities for getting to their own places in the country districts?

§ Mr. Elliot
As soon as the evacuation is completed a certain number of trains will begin to run again, and I think it is by no means undesirable and unpatriotic that those people who are in the crowded areas and have places to go to in the country should begin to make their way out of the congested areas.

§ Sir Arthur Salter
Will the Minister consider making a statement after the people have been evacuated under the Government scheme—I am speaking of mothers and children under the school age and expectant mothers—making it clear that it is unpatriotic for them now 564 to flock back, as a great many of them are doing?

§ Mr. Elliot
Yes, Sir. I was discussing that question with an important deputation only this morning, and I think it is desirable on both sides that consideration should be exercised. It is quite true that difficulties will arise in the early stages, but I think that on both sides forbearance and patience should be exercised and that they should not—to use a rather slang phrase, chuck up the sponge and come back to the towns. It is desirable that the scheme having been started should be retained, and I have been discussing with the Secretary of State for Scotland whether a broadcast should not be made on this matter this evening.