HC Deb 20 November 1963 vol 684 cc983-4

The following Questions stood upon the Order Paper:

33. Dr. DICKSON MABON

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in the care of local authorities have been sent overseas under emigration schemes since the passing of the Children Act 1948.

34. Dr. DICKSON MABON

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in the care of local authorities have been sent overseas under emigration schemes where the parents or guardians had indicated their opposition when consulted under the provisions of the Children Act 1948.

Dr. Mabon

With permission, Mr. Speaker, may I ask Questions No. 33 and No. 34 together?

Mr. Noble

I shall, with permission, answer Questions No. 33 and No. 34 together.

been concentrating largely on slum clearance schemes and redevelopment. This is a slower business than building houses on vacant land. It is significant that there are now 7,600 more local authority houses under construction than there were a year ago and of the 45,646 houses under construction at the end of September over 31,000 were for local authorities.

Mr. Ross

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to make Tory posters in Scotland read that we are replacing the slums at the rate of 40 a day?

Following are the figures:

Since the passing of the Act consent has been given to the emigration under emigration schemes of 36 children in the care of local authorities in Scotland. In no such case has consent been given where the parents or guardians were known to oppose the child's emigration.