HC Deb 21 November 1939 vol 353 c1048W
Mr. Brooke

asked the Minister of Health whether facilities for the evacuation of expectant mothers continue in existence; and, if so, what steps are taken to make known how and where they can register?

Mr. Elliot

I have authorised evacuation authorities, through the Department's senior regional officers, to arrange for the evacuation of further parties of expectant mothers to receiving areas where suitable billeting and maternity accommodation is available. It is for the evacuation authorities to decide in the light of their experience what steps they consider suitable to make known to expectant mothers in their areas the facilities which are available.

Mr. Brooke

asked the Minister of Health what arrangements apply in the case of a mother who has been evacuated in charge of a child under five years of age, when that child reaches the age of five?

Mr. Elliot

So long as a child is accompanied by its mother, no change would be made in the billeting arrangements. As soon as the child attends school after reaching the age of five, it would also be permissible for arrangements to be made to have it billeted as an unaccompanied school child and for the mother to return to her home.