HC Deb 01 February 1940 vol 356 c1248
36. Mr. Ede

asked the Minister of Health whether he will substitute the education authority for the billeting authority as the appropriate authority to promote schemes for nursery centres in reception areas?

Mr. Elliot

The hon. Member will observe from the circular, announcing the nursery centres scheme, of which I am sending him a copy, that it is suggested that the setting up of these centres in each appropriate reception area should be undertaken by an informal committee, consisting of representatives of the reception authority, the welfare authority, the local education authority and women's voluntary services for Civil Defence. Thus, every local authority and body in the reception area interested in the scheme will have a voice in making the necessary provision. It was decided to ask the billeting authority to finance the establishment and maintenance of the centres, primarily as a matter of administrative convenience.

Mr. Ede

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the staff required for these centres, once they are established, is normally recruited by the education authorities and not by the health authorities? Is that not a good reason for making the clerk of the education authority the clerk of the billeting authority?

Mr. Elliot

It is better that the committees should comprise the staff of all those bodies interested, which I have outlined.