§ Captain Pluggeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the possibility of an increase in juvenile delinquency in evacuated towns unless more adequate educational facilities are provided for the thousands of evacuated children who have returned; and whether he will make an inquiry into the extent of this danger and the means of meeting it?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have been asked to reply. My hon. and gallant Friend has no doubt in mind the large increase in juvenile delinquency which occurred in the Great War, 1914–18. From such inquiries as I have been able to make, I am glad to say that so far there is no reason for serious anxiety on this score, in spite of conditions arising out of the war which might encourage youthful misbehaviour, including evacuation and the consequent disturbance of school life. Close touch is being maintained between the Home Office and the Board of Education on this matter, and the position will continue to be carefully watched.