HC Deb 01 April 1943 vol 388 cc336-7
42. Major Lyons

asked the Minister of Health whether he can make any statement on the matter of a fresh national registration of the people?

Mr. E. Brown

If my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind a fresh enumeration to obtain fresh returns from every member of the people on the lines of the initial compilation of the National Register in 1939, no such proposal is contemplated. Apart from the heavy man-power burden involved, it is not seen that it would have any advantages.

Major Lyons

Does it not mean that the proposal that new cards should be issued in place of the present cards will preserve the anomalies now existing and permit the fraud and evasion which occur so often and which are not always brought before the courts?

Mr. Brown

The cards will be issued in the light of the experience which has been gained.

Major Lyons

Will they be issued, in the light of experience gained, to the same people on the same terms, because, if so, the inaccuracies will be perpetuated?

Mr. De la Bère

How much light is there?