§ 49. Mr. Cocksasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the large-scale evacuation of children overseas is an important factor in the military defence of Britain, he will reconsider the decision to postpone the scheme, bearing in mind that children can be evacuated in ships which are already being convoyed?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is most undesirable that anything in the nature of a large-scale exodus from this country should take place, and I do not believe that the military situation requires or justifies such a proceeding, having regard to the relative dangers of going and staying. Nor is it physically possible. His Majesty's Government have been deeply touched by the kindly offers of hospitality received from the Dominions and the United States. They will take pains to make sure that in the use that is made of these offers there shall be no question of rich people having an advantage, if advantage there be, over poor. The scheme has been postponed, not abandoned, but any further emigration that may be possible, as opportunity serves, will be regulated, with a view to restoring the balance between classes, and not in pursuance of any policy of reducing the number of persons in this well-defended island. Furthermore, the scale of movement must necessarily be small in number and dependent in time upon naval facilities.
I must frankly admit that the full bearings of this question were not appreciated by His Majesty's Government at the time when it was first raised. It was not foreseen that the mild countenance given to the plan would lead to a movement of such dimensions, and that a crop of alarmist and depressing rumours would follow at its tail, detrimental to the interests of National Defence. I take full responsibility for the steps which were originally taken, but I ask for the indulgence of he House, on account of the many difficulties through which we have been passing.
§ Mr. CocksIs it not possible, seeing that there are ships convoyed going out, to send children in small parties of, say, 50; secondly, on the general question, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is the first time for the last seven years that I have disagreed with him?
§ The Prime MinisterIt may be that opportunities will serve for sending, in accordance with what I have said in my answer, but I could give no guarantee at the moment of the time or the numbers. As to what the hon. Gentleman said last, a good deal of it is quite true, and I have felt myself greatly fortified by that approval. I shall still labour further to convince him.
§ Mr. Benjamin SmithWill the right hon. Gentleman at some future date reconsider the possibility of evacuation of children by American and neutral ships getting these children away, as they are in no way connected with the Armed Forces?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, of course; if a movement to send United States ships to these shores were set on foot from the other side of the Atlantic, it would immediately engage the most earnest attention of His Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. CulverwellIn the hope that it might afford some protection, would the right hon. Gentleman consider putting a certain number of German prisoners or enemy aliens on the ships?