HC Deb 20 February 1940 vol 357 cc1189-90W
Mr. Parkinson

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that Maghull, Lancashire, is scheduled as a reception area; and whether, in view of the numerous military objectives in the neighbourhood, he will reconsider this decision?

Miss Horsbrugh

The rural district in which the parish of Maghull is situated is considered suitable as a reception area under the Government scheme in view of the opportunities for dispersal within the area. It has been left to the local authority to distribute between the various villages in any local government area the number of persons evacuated to the district as a whole.

Mr. Harvey

asked the Minister of Health the arrangement which has been made for billeting allowances for evacuated teachers; and whether, in view of the delay which has been caused by the prolonged consideration of the scale to be adopted, the application of the scale will be made retrospective?

Miss Horsbrugh

The billeting allowances and the date of their application are both under close consideration with the teachers' representatives, with a view to a satisfactory and agreed arrangement.

Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Health whether he can make it clear that parents who have withdrawn their child, or children, from a certain home in a reception area have no right to expect or demand that the householders shall, at any time convenient to the parents, again receive the child, or children, who were removed, in many cases in spite of protests by the reception area hosts?

Mr. Elliot

Local authorities have been instructed to withdraw the billeting forms when children are removed from their billets. No householder can be required again to receive such a child unless a fresh billeting form has been issued. This could be done only by the billeting officer in the receiving area.

Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Health what is the policy of his Department regarding children of school-leaving age who occupy billets in reception areas; whether, in consultation with the Board of Education, special instruction in technical training on work on the land or at domestic economy centres is being arranged; and under what authority or control are such children who have left school and have not been provided with further occupations?

Mr. Elliot

It is intended that the billeting of the children who were evacuated in school parties with their teachers should be continued so long as they are in attendance at school. As to the character of the instruction being given, either before or after the children reach the school-leaving age I understand that this is a matter for the education authority concerned and for the Board of Education. As to the last part of the Question any such children who have left school are in the same position as children elsewhere, that is to say they are under the control of their parents whether they have or have not obtained employment.

Mr. Windsor

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the financial hardship caused to poor people, he will order the withdrawal of Circular 1941, which states that his Department will not reimburse expenses incurred in bringing back deceased evacuees to their original homes?

Mr. Elliot

I am not aware that the procedure to which the hon. Member refers has involved hardship, but if he has any particular cases in mind, I shall be glad to look into them.