HC Deb 13 February 1939 vol 343 cc1377-8W
Sir A. Southby

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is in a position to make any announcement with regard to the provision of camps by the Government for civilian use?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, Sir. This matter has recently been under the consideration of His Majesty's Government, and it has been decided to introduce legislation at an early date providing for the establishment of public corporations, profit barred—one for England and Wales and one for Scotland—which would be empowered to construct and manage camps. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has agreed to make available a sum of £1,000,000, with which, if Parliament approves, a start will be made on a programme of 50 camps each designed to accommodate about 350. They would be hutted camps and would be a useful supplement to billeting under any evacuation scheme in the event of war. Their main peace-time purpose would be to serve as school camps taking children from urban areas in relays. The corporations will be required to aim at recovering, in respect of the peace-time use of the camps, 50 per cent. of the capital—in addition, of course, to meeting all their maintenance charges. A Bill is being drafted and will be introduced as soon as possible. Pending its enactment, preliminary steps are at once being taken for the selection of a sufficient number of suitable sites.

Forward to