HC Deb 20 May 1941 vol 371 cc1376-7
24. Major Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will examine afresh the whole question of the present artificial boundaries between vulnerable, neutral and evacuation areas, with a view to a revision of the existing boundaries on lines more in accordance with recent experiences?

Mr. Johnston

Classification of areas for the purposes of the Government evacuation scheme is constantly under review in consultation with the Service and other authorities concerned, and full account has been and will continue to be taken of the recent experiences referred to by the hon. and gallant Member.

Major Lloyd

In view of the fact that the public, and indeed, many of the local authorities, have no longer any confidence in the present boundaries, which were fixed before the war, and in view of the difficulties with which the right hon. Gentleman has to contend in advising them as a result of his statement, will he consider abolishing them altogether in the light of the facts?

Mr. Johnston

That is an exceedingly difficult question to answer, and the balance of advantages, I think, is in favour of having, in the main outline, the scheme which has hitherto existed.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

In view of his present knowledge, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the present boundaries?

Mr. Johnston

I have answered that they are continually under review.