§ 24. Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider taking steps to supply evacuees from London and other areas with a minimum of blankets and bedding when householders in the reception areas are unable to provide the full amount required?
§ he Minister of Health (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)My Department has already ensured by instructions to its Senior Regional Officers and to the local authorities that in any instance where there might he a shortage of blankets and bedding it should be made good at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. PriceWill the Minister bear in mind that saturation point will very soon be reached in some of the reception areas in regard to this kind of equipment, and that people, while quite ready to receive evacuees into their houses, may not have sufficient equipment to enable them to do so?
§ Mr. MacDonaldI quite appreciate that point. We are doing everything we can from public funds to increase the provision of this equipment.
§ 31. Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Health whether he will make Romford and Hornchurch areas for school children?
§ Mr. MacDonaldIn considering what further evacuation should be carried out, I must have regard to the accommodation available in receiving areas, and must give priority to districts which are most densely populated and are likely to suffer most. In the light of these considerations I am considering the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the hon. Gentleman also surveying other Outer London areas?
§ Mr. MacDonaldWe are not only surveying them, but we have increased the evacuation area of London in several instances. If the hon. Member knows of other areas which he would like to be covered, perhaps he will give me particulars.