§ 34. Mr Higgsasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, although a town of which he has been informed has been declared an evacuation area, and that consequently the local authorities have evacuated all possible women and children, they have now been requested by the Ministry to prepare for the reception of further women and children, namely, the wives and families of workers coming into the city: and whether he will take steps to see that the bringing of women and children into such a vulnerable area is discouraged by every possible means?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh)My right hon. Friend is sending my hon. Friend a copy of the communication in question, which extended the billeting powers of billeting officers in certain areas to include the families of war workers as well as the workers themselves. The local authority which my hon. Friend has in mind will not be asked to operate the powers save in very exceptional cases.
§ Mr. HiggsIs the Minister aware that I have already received a copy of the Order issued, but that it was issued only on 24th February; that the district to which I refer has been evacuating women and children now for 18 months, and it looks as if we are going to be asked again to fill the district with women and children, which will be very undesirable in the case of further attacks?