§ 36. Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Health, whether he will consider the compulsory evacuation from London of all mothers and children not required for the prosecution of the war; and whether similar action will be considered for invalids?
§ Miss HorsbrughI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend's predecessor on 19th December last. My right hon. Friend does not think that the reasons then given for the policy outlined in the statement have lost their cogency, and he is satisfied that it would not be wise to alter that policy now.
§ Sir T. MooreDoes my hon. Friend think that it is reasonable and logical that reception should be made compulsory and evacuation allowed to be voluntary; and does she think it wise that children should be distressed, mentally and physically, by the horrors of housing in London?
§ Miss HorsbrughAs to evacuation being voluntary and reception compulsory, I think that my hon. and gallant Friend will agree, on consideration, that this is the right course. If people wish to leave these areas for their own good, we must find them accommodation in reception areas. As to the mental and physical distress, we have taken particular powers to deal with that.
§ Mr G. StraussCan the hon. Lady say how many children have been evacuated from London to the country generally under the compulsory scheme which was announced on 19th December?
§ Miss HorsbrughI should have to have notice of that Question. The children are being watched very carefully, and there is no doubt that, in the greater number of cases, their state of health in body 170 and mind has proved good. If the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question, I will give him the number of children who have been evacuated under the compulsory arrangements.