HC Deb 25 June 1940 vol 362 cc274-5
1. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that billeting officers, who are voluntary workers, in Scotland, are determined not to carry on their duties if evacuation is made compulsory; and whether he will instruct the police or some other such service to perform these duties if compulsory billeting is ordered?

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I am confident that if conditions arise in which it is necessary to put the evacuation plans into operation in Scotland, very few householders will adopt an attitude calling for the exercise of compulsion. I do not accept the statement in the first part of the Question, and it is not practicable to adopt the suggestion made in the second part.

Mr. Stewart

Is my right hon. Friend aware that most of those voluntary workers hold positions, either as teachers or otherwise, by the good will of the general public, and that to ask them to undertake this most unwelcome job would be to place an impossible burden upon them?

Mr. Brown

I do not think that. The representations I have received lead me to think that what is really wanted is more guidance through the local authorities on the exercise of the powers, and I have this weekend issued a new circular, which I will place in the Library of the House, so that hon. Members can see it.

2. Mr. Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the representations made to him by the hon. Member for East Fife regarding the need for amending the list of reception areas for the purposes of evacuation in the county of Fife; and what action he proposes to take?

Mr. Brown

I have noted my hon. Friend's representations in connection with the classification of Scottish areas for evacuation purposes. As he will be aware, this question is constantly under review in the light of developing circumstances.

Mr. Stewart

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that all the evidence, military and otherwise, which has reached me points clearly to the fact that many of the areas in Fife are highly dangerous, and that to take children there would be to expose them to great risks which I do not think Scotland is ready to accept?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps my hon. Friend will read between the lines of my answer or have a talk with me afterwards.

30. Miss Rathbone

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in order to stimulate the evacuation of children, and also to provide against the danger of the crowding of the roads by refugees in the event of enemy attack, the Government will consider making it clearly known that, in the event of such attack, the civilian population will be prohibited from leaving their home towns or using the roads and railroads; and will he further make preparations for enforcing this prohibition?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Mr. Mabane)

Full instructions to the civilian population on this matter are contained in the notice issued recently to all householders. This notice also states that in the event of invasion by parachute, aeroplane, or ship, orders relating to movement of the civilian population will be given by the Commander-in-Chief.