HC Deb 17 September 1940 vol 365 c105
Sir Irving Albery

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Health whether he will issue a short pamphlet describing the assistance which should be available to householders after damage by a bombing raid, and stating to whom application for such assistance should be made: and whether he will instruct local authorities to have these pamphlets distributed in any area concerned immediately after a raid has occurred?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

A leaflet of this kind is being issued to the local authorities concerned for distribution at emergency rest centres, town halls, etc. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. I am also glad of the opportunity of thanking my right hon. Friend the Minister of Information, the B.B.C. and the Press for helping to make information on these matters widely known.

Sir I. Albery

Are we to understand that when a raid has occurred, this information will immediately be made directly available, in the district where the raid has occurred, to the persons concerned?

Mr. MacDonald

These leaflets will be made available in all such centres before arty emergency arises so that we anticipate anything that may befall in those localities.

Mr. Lyons

Will the Minister at the same time consider some arrangements for providing some kind of communal feeding where these unfortunate occurrences take place?

Mr. Buchanan

Will that circular apply to Scotland, or has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Secretary of State for Scotland with regard to the issue of a circular for Scotland as well?

Mr. MacDonald

I am in touch with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland about the matter. I have no doubt that something on similar lines if not exactly the same leaflet, will be issued in the case of Scotland.