Mr. Whiteasked the Minister of Health whether there is accommodation immediately available for all children who have been notified under the compulsory evacuation scheme; and whether there is sufficient accommodation available for the evacuation of unaccompanied children under five years of age through the official channels?
§ Mr. E. BrownAccommodation is immediately available for all children certified, under the Defence Regulations, as suffering or being; likely to suffer as a result of hostile attacks. As regards children under five who are not so certified, the Government evacuation scheme contemplates that in areas to which the mothers and children scheme has been extended they will normally be evacuated with the mother, who will continue to look after them, or be sent to be billeted with friends or relatives. Residential accommodation for unaccompanied children under five is strictly limited, and careful selection has to be made in filling vacancies in new or established nurseries of those whose mothers cannot for some-very strong reason go with them, or send them to friends or relatives.