George - An Evacuee's Story
Letter from the Minister of Health to parents whose children have
been evacuated - 23rd September 1939
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Transcript of the Government Evacuation Scheme
October 1939
DEAR SIR or MADAM,
As you know, the Government have made arrangements under which a very
large number of children have moved out of the crowded towns for their
greater safety from air attack.
nbsp; The children are being provided with
board and lodging, and arrangements have also been made for their medical
attendance.
The cost of the scheme since its beginning has been borne entirely by
public funds, but I am sure that no parent would wish this to continue
indefinitely where it can be avoided.
nbsp; Accordingly a scheme has been
drawn up by which parents will be asked to make a reasonable payment
towards the cost of keeping their children who are away from home.
nbsp;
It has been decided that liability for payments should not begin before
28th October, and that no request for payment should be made for the
period since evacuation began up to that date.
The cost to public funds of the maintenance of each child who has gone
away is on average about 9 shillings. (today worth 20.00) per week.
nbsp; Many parents
will be able and willing to pay this amount, and I ask them to do so.
nbsp;
The Government recognises, however, that the saving of expense to
families in keeping children away from home is in many cases considerably
less than this sum, and that in the case of many families with small
incomes it would not be fair to make such a request.
Accordingly the Government have decided to fix 6 shillings. (today worth
13.33) a week
for each child as a sum which would be accepted as full discharge of this
liability.
nbsp; furthermore, they are making arrangements whereby those
who can show that such a sum would be an unreasonable burden upon them can
pay a reduced sum according to their circumstances.
It has been arranged that the Local Authorities will act in this matter as agents for the Government, as you will see from the accompanying letter from your Council.
I should be very grateful if you would give this your most careful
consideration.
nbsp; I am confident that in the great task which lies
before us we can rely upon your co-operation and goodwill.
Yours sincerely,
(signed Walter Elliot)
Minister of Health
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Page last updated:25th February 2014