HC Deb 22 April 1941 vol 371 c42W
Mr. Wedgwood

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what action the Government propose to take to ensure the continuous welfare of our children sent to the Dominions and to the United States of America, in view of the fact that the consent of the parents here cannot always be forthcoming for urgent action advised by medical opinion?

Mr. Shakespeare

The difficulties referred to by the right hon. Gentleman are fully appreciated. Attention has indeed already been drawn to them by the United States Committee and the Canadian Government. To meet these legal difficulties His Majesty's Government propose to introduce a Bill forthwith to enable provision to be made for the duration of the war for the temporary guardianship of children sent out of the United Kingdom under the auspices of the American Committee in London or of the Children's Overseas Reception Board, and also for privately evacuated children, if desired.