asked the Minister of Health what arrangements he has made to compensate owners of houses in reception areas for damage done to their property by refugees?

Consideration is being given to this matter in connection with the wider question of compensation for war damage, as to which my hon. and gallant Friend will be aware that a statement was made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 20th June.

When is my right hon. Friend likely to come to a decision in regard to this matter?

asked the Minister of Health the estimated number of persons to be sent to Devonshire in time of emergency; and what preparations have been made for their reception?

The present timetables provide for the transport to Devon in the initial evacuation of 17,600 persons only, but there is a considerable balance of accommodation which will be kept available for the purposes of the Government's scheme, which, as my right hon. Friend is aware, is being extended to cover a number of additional towns. Arrangements for reception of evacuated persons are being made by the county district authorities, with the assistance of the county council. I am sending my right hon. Friend copies of the documents that have been issued by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education and myself for the guidance of these authorities in this work.

Would my right hon. Friend consider diverting some of the amounts now devoted to A.R.P. to the accommodation of these people, considering that Devonshire is so remote?

That remoteness is a reason why we have greatly reduced the numbers.

May I also have a copy of the documents?

Yes, certainly, if my hon. Friend wants it.

Mr. Whiteley:

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take into consideration scheduling the North-East portion of Blaydon as an evacuation area owing to the density of the population?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 18th May to the hon. Member for Everton (Mr. Kirby). I have considered the position of Blaydon, but I regret that I cannot undertake to extend further the list of evacuable areas.