HC Deb 26 September 1944 vol 403 cc30-1
58. Dr. Haden Guest

asked the Prime Minister the Government's present policy in respect of the evacuation from London and Southern England of mothers with infant children, schoolchildren, aged and disabled persons and in-patients in hospitals.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Willink)

I have been asked to reply. As announced on 7th September, the Government have decided to suspend further evacuation under the Government evacuation scheme from London and Southern England; and they have also suspended the evacuation of in-patients in hospitals. On the other hand, I have already said on several occasions that the Government's advice to those already evacuated from London and Southern England is—"Do not come back."

Dr. Guest

May I ask the Minister whether he does not think that, in view of the conflicting statements made from the Committee of which the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply was Chairman, his own Department and the Ministry of Home Security, which have very much confused and perplexed the population, it would not be desirable to have a more explicit, definite and more comprehensive statement than that which the Minister has just made?

Mr. Willink

I doubt whether any statement could be more explicit than the four monosyllables "Do not come back."

Dr. Guest

May I venture to say that this is a very important matter? In view of the fact that the people of this country have really been misinformed and misdirected in this matter, with very great inconvenience, and danger to the lives of women and children, is it not desirable that a further statement should be made of a more explicit kind?

Dr. Edith Summerskill

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say why the statement was made before the danger was passed, giving the people of this country a sense of false security?

Mr. Willink

If I was aware to which statement the hon. Lady was referring, I should be able to answer the question. I know of no statement which has been in conflict with the advice I have given.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply made a very definite statement to simple people, that the danger was over and that, therefore, they could come back? That statement is in conflict with his, and is it not desirable that the Government should issue a clear statement on the position?

Mr. Willink

The statement I have made to-day is a statement which represents Government policy.