Oral Answers to Questions — Children's Holiday Camps (Military Facilities).

– in the House of Commons at on 20 June 1922.

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Photo of Mr Frank Briant Mr Frank Briant , Lambeth North

12.

asked the Secretary of State for War why organisations for providing holiday camps for children attending elementary schools are refused the use of unoccupied military redoubts and similar buildings, whilst this privilege is granted to cadet corps?

Photo of Mr Worthington Evans Mr Worthington Evans , Colchester

The children in question are not in the same position as the members of recognised cadet corps which are affiliated to units of the Territorial Army. The use of Government grounds by the general public has been found on occasion to entail much expenditure on sanitation and clearance after occupation. I regret that I do not see my way to extend the present privileges in the direction suggested.

Photo of Mr Frank Briant Mr Frank Briant , Lambeth North

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in industrial areas only an infinitesimal portion of the children ever have a holiday in the country or at the Seaside, and that this is almost entirely due to lack of accommodation. In these circumstances, and considering the health of the children, who are to some extent children of the State, cannot the right hon. Gentleman give some further facilities?

Photo of Mr Worthington Evans Mr Worthington Evans , Colchester

Of course, I sympathise, as the hon. Gentleman does, with these children, but I am afraid I cannot grant the use of military quarters even for that purpose.