§ 22. Mr. G. Straussasked the Minister of Health whether he can now make any statement as to the progress of the scheme for compulsory evacuation of children who are considered to be suffering, or likely to suffer, from the effects of air raids; and, in particular, how many of such children have so far been evacuated?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe powers for the compulsory medical examination and evacuation of children who are considered to be suffering or likely to suffer from the effects of air raids have been applied by order to the county of London and the neighbouring evacuation areas. The procedure for dealing with the individual children, which in view of the parents' right of appeal to a Court of Summary Jurisdiction is necessarily of a formal character, has been notified to the authorities concerned; and the London County Council have agreed to co-ordinate the arrangements for the evacuation of the children, and have made accommodation available at one of their residential special schools 1494 where the children can be received, classified and kept under observation before it is decided how they can best be accommodated. Twenty-six children in the county of London have so far been reported for medical examination. Two of these children have now been evacuated. Similar information is not yet available in regard to children living in the other Metropolitan evacuation areas.
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayDoes the Minister seriously suggest that this reflects any diminution of the problem of children in shelters and in London?
§ Mr. BrownI should not like to express an opinion about that. The hon. Gentleman will understand that sometimes it depends upon the date on which the Question is put.