§ 64. Mr. Buchananasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Mrs. Bridgman, whose former home address was 95, Logan Street, Glasgow, was evacuated with her five children, on 2nd September, 1940, to Wigtownshire, and resided until 5th March 1941, at St. Medans, Monreith, when she was evicted from her home in Wigtown and taken to Glasgow; that she was never made aware of any court action for eviction, and had no notice served on her by a competent legal authority; that the eviction was carried out by a sheriff's officer and a man who refused to disclose who he was; that since the family have arrived in Glasgow the father and one child have lost their lives, and another child badly injured; and whether he will inquire into this case and state the result?
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Westwood)My right hon. Friend has made careful inquiry into this case since he received the hon. Member's letter on 10th March. He is aware that Mrs. Bridgman and her children, who were evacuated to Wigtownshire, returned to Glasgow after court proceedings had been taken and he regrets to learn that one of the children has since been killed and another injured. The inquiries show, however, that Mrs. Bridgman received due notice of the court proceedings. My right hon. Friend is writing today to the hon. Member giving him such further information on the subject as he has been able to obtain.
§ Mr. BuchananIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the poor unfortunate woman, who was returned with five children to Glasgow, ought never to have been returned; is he aware that the husband served in the last war and has since been killed in an air raid; is he aware that the woman never received any notice of court proceedings; and will he take steps to see that no women and children are returned against their will to a city to which they should never be sent?
§ Mr. WestwoodI know that my hon. Friend feels very keenly about this case, but I suggest that he awaits the letter which my right hon. Friend is sending him, and, if after he has considered it, he desires further consultation with my right hon. Friend, my right hon. Friend will be only too pleased to discuss the matter.
§ Mr. BuchananIn view of the fact that I do not consider the answer satisfactory with regard to court proceedings, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.