HC Deb 28 September 1944 vol 403 cc432-3W
Dr. Guest

asked the Minister of Health the number of school children evacuated since the beginning of the flying bomb attacks and the number who have returned since Government statements announced that the Battle of London had been won.

Mr. Willink

The number of schoolchildren evacuated since the beginning of the flying bomb attacks is estimated to be about 350,000. Precise information is not available as to the number who have returned, but it is estimated to be between 10 and 15 per cent. of those who went out. As reference is made in the Question to Government statements and was made on Tuesday to a statement by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply, I should point out that in the course of his statement my hon. Friend specifically stated that attacks by flying bombs launched from aircraft might continue and that this form of attack could be carried on from airfields in the heart of Germany. He went on to say, and I am quoting his wordsWe cannot, therefore, as yet assure the public that flying bomb attacks will cease altogether.

Mr. G. White

asked the Minister of Health whether he will indicate the proportion of the revised billeting allowances attributable to rent, clothing, food, laundry and profit, respectively.

Mr. Willink

The revised billeting allowances are intended to cover the cost of maintenance of a child exclusive of cloth- ing and medical attention. In view of the different standards prevailing in different households it is not practicable to apportion each allowance under the headings specified by my hon. Friend.