HC Deb 22 May 1941 vol 371 cc1567-9
37. Commander King-Hall

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider issuing an order designating certain areas, of which he has been informed, and which are areas likely to be subjected in a special degree to enemy air-attacks, as areas in which it shall be a legal offence to retain a child under 14 years of age?

Mr. E. Brown

All the towns mentioned in the communication which I have received from my hon. and gallant Friend are evacuation areas, and schemes for the evacuation of children are being operated in all such areas. The Government are satisfied, however, that it would not be right in present circumstances to enforce upon unwilling parents the compulsory evacuation of their children.

Commander King-Hall

As it is already illegal for children to witness certain types of horrific films, is it not possible to make it illegal for children to be kept in places where, even if they are not injured, they are bound to witness some unpleasant scenes?

Mr. Brown

That is a matter of opinion. The fundamental issue raised goes far wider than that particular opinion and involves fundamental issues of the; direst character.

Miss Cazalet

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be in the best interests of the children's future that they should not remain in these areas?

Mr. Brown

We have done and are doing, and shall continue to do, all we can to pave the way for the evacuation of children from these areas and to bring our influence to bear on all concerned—local authorities and the children themselves.

Commander King-Hall

I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the adjournment.

40. Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Health how many hutted camps have been built for the reception of evacuated children; how many children do they accommodate; and how many further camps it is proposed to build for this purpose?

Mr. E. Brown

Thirty camps have been provided for this purpose, and they at present accommodate 6,600 children. As I indicated when I replied to a Question by my hon. and gallant Friend on 8th May, the provision of further camps must depend primarily on the availability of labour and materials.

Sir T. Moore

As this seems to be the ideal method of caring for children from the dangerous areas owing to the easy provision of education, playing fields, and so on, will my right hon. Friend use his influence with the Ministries responsible to ease the position as regards labour and material?

Mr. Brown

I would not like to say that this is the ideal way. It may be the ideal way of housing for a fortnight or so in summer-time, but there are particular reasons against camps accommodating a large number of children. I visited one of the best camps in the Midland this week-end and had conversations with the teachers concerned, and there are serious medical issues which do not arise when you are merely dealing with a temporary flow of boys and girls.