asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will assist in retaining evacuated children in the receiving areas during the Christmas holiday period by making an addition to the billeting allowance for one or two weeks at that time?

I am afraid that the proposal made by the hon. Member is not practicable. I hope, however, that evacuated children will remain in the receiving areas at Christmas and the New Year. In a recent circular, of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member, I suggested that Christmas entertainments should be organised for both the evacuated children and the children of their hosts. Appeals for funds for this purpose have been made in the sending areas, and women's voluntary services are collecting toys for distribution among the children.

If, as it appears, the right hon. Gentleman realises the danger to the evacuation scheme of the Christmas and New Year holidays, does he not think that there should be some official recognition of the fact that extra money is required at that time?

This is a suitable matter for voluntary effort, and from what I learn, voluntary effort is likely to be very successful.