33. Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the chief reasons for the failure of the Scottish scheme of evacuation have now been fully considered; if so, by whom; and whether he has any statement to make regarding future evacuation?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe chief reason for the drift back from the receiving areas has no doubt been the absence of air raids. This immunity cannot be relied upon to continue, however, and the evacuation scheme is being kept under constant review by the Government. Plans have been made for the evacuation of additional school children and the Government will put these plans into operation when they consider it necessary to do so.
Mr. DavidsonWas the dissatisfaction aroused by long-distance evacuation considered and, if so, will the Minister consider having another survey, with a view to establishing short-distance evacuation?
§ Mr. BrownThe hon. Member will no doubt realise that the problem is not quite so simple as that. He must know that there are very severe limits upon the powers of reception areas in Scotland.