§ 13. Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to report on his recent visits to the reception areas; and whether it is his intention to set up local committees for the purpose of encouraging the closest co-operation between evacuees and residents, and the carrying out of general instructions in the event of attempted invasion?
§ Mr. E. BrownIn the course of recent Debates, I referred at some length to conditions in reception areas as I found them in the course of my recent visits. There are, for instance, as I mentioned, 660 hostels for difficult children, 731 special hostels for family groups who cannot readily be billeted in the ordinary way, 730 social centres, 483 communal feeding centres, 638 occupational clubs and 389 nurseries and playing centres. In view of the welfare committees and organisers and voluntary workers already in the field, I do not think there is a need for setting up further committees for the purposes suggested by my hon. Friend. The House will be glad to know that this work is proceeding rapidly.