HC Deb 05 February 1942 vol 377 cc1263-4
27. Mr. Sorensen

asked the President of the Board of Education the number and percentage of children who have returned to London from reception and neutral areas; and when the report is likely to be published respecting the gains in height and weight of certain evacuated children compared with those not evacuated and with comparable pre-war age groups?

Mr. Butler

It is not possible to supply the information in the precise form asked by the hon. Member. On 6th December, 1940, when the school population of London reached its lowest point since evacuation began, the number of school children in London was approximately 84,800. On the 24th January, 1942, the corresponding number was about 166,900 representing an increase of 82,100. On that date, the estimated number of London school children still in reception or neutral areas was a little over 200,000. As regards the last part of the Question, the result of the investigation will not be available until towards tae end of the year.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that these will be extremely valuable figures and that they should be available at the earliest possible date?

Mr. Butler

I certainly think this will be one of the most interesting commentaries on the evacuation experiment. I am sorry there is a little time to elapse before the full results of the investigation can be made known.