§ Mr. G. Macdonaldasked the Minister of Health whether, in the selection of areas for the receiving and billeting of children from evacuated areas in the event of an emergency, regard is being had to the places which suffered from air raids during the Great War; and whether he is aware that the South-West Lancashire area was frequently visited by enemy aircraft during that period, which resulted in extensive damage being done?
§ Miss HorsbrughThe main consideration in selecting a receiving area is whether the area will provide a better chance of safety for the children than the large thickly populated towns in which they live at present. I do not think the fact that a particular district was visited by enemy aircraft during the war would be a sufficient reason for failing to utilise the opportunities it affords for a more effective dispersal of the children to be evacuated. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, most of the industrial districts in the area have been placed in the neutral category.