HC Deb 20 August 1940 vol 364 cc1113-4
36. Mr. Tomlinson

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many children have been finally accepted for evacuation overseas; how many of these came from elementary, and how many from secondary, schools; and how many have already left this country?

The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Shakespeare)

Up to 15th August the parents or guardians of 19,365 children were notified that their applications had been approved by the Board. Replies from parents who have completed the necessary formalities cover 11,107 children. No distinction is made between elementary and secondary schools, but up to the present 99 per cent. of the Board's selection are from children attending grant-aided schools. It will be appreciated that it is not in the public interest to state how many children have left this country because at any given time a number of children may be on the seas.

Mr. Tomlinson

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of splitting the State-aided schools into secondary and elementary, as it is a well-known fact that the difference between the children attending those schools is largely based upon the incomes of the people concerned?

Mr. Shakespeare

I will consider that, but I do not accept the hon. Member's statement.

Mr. Tomlinson

Are not the statistics of the Board of Education sufficient proof?

Sir Annesley Somerville

May I ask the House to take note of the figure mentioned in the reply, of 99 per cent.—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member must address his Question to the Minister.