HC Deb 02 December 1941 vol 376 cc988-9
18. Mr. McNeil

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that in Greenock and other Clydeside burghs there are many old people coming within the priority classes for evacuation and who are anxious to be evacuated but who cannot avail themselves of the facilities because they have no friends or relatives in neutral or reception areas, and what action he intends taking to meet such cases?

Mr. Johnston

I regret that, owing to the general pressure on accommodation in receiving areas and the special difficulty of finding suitable billets for elderly and infirm persons, it is not possible to offer to evacuate them if they cannot find their own accommodation. Billeting allowances are, however, payable in respect of elderly and infirm persons who find accommodation with friends or relatives, and about 3,700 elderly and infirm persons from Clydeside have availed themselves of these facilities.

Mr. McNeil

Does not the Minister agree, if there is this trouble in the recep- tion areas, that means cannot be found to treat the elderly and not infirm people and thus to relieve the pressure?

Mr. Johnston

I shall be glad to have any suggestion as to how that very desirable end can be facilitated.