63. Mr. Graham Whiteasked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention that the evacuation scheme, extended to include mothers and children, aged, infirm and crippled persons from certain London boroughs which have suffered from bombardment, should apply to provincial centres under similar conditions?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe extension of the Government's evacuation scheme to which the hon. Member refers applies only to the persons mentioned who normally live in the London evacuation areas and in certain specified coastal towns and make their own arrangements to be received in a reception or a neutral area. In all other evacuation areas certificates for billeting may be issued to mothers with children under five who make their own arrangements to be received in a reception area. They can take their older children with them. The position in all the evacuation areas will continue to be constantly reviewed in the light of the current situation.
§ 68. Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Health what objection there is to the extension of the evacuation of women and children on a very large scale to Ulster; and whether he has any information as to the numbers who have already gone there?
Mr. MacDonaldI warmly appreciate the recent offer of the Government of Northern Ireland to assist with the evacuation of mothers and children, and a plan is now being worked out which I hope will enable mothers with children who can make arrangements to be looked after by friends or relatives in Northern Ireland to be given travel vouchers and billeting certificates. I have no information as to the number of women and children who have previously gone to Northern Ireland.