Civil Defence Evacuated Children 27. Mr. Parker asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will approach the Canadian and other Dominion Governments to see whether children and others willing to go can be evacuated to a place of safety in the Dominions? The Under-Secretary of State for the Dominions (Mr. Shakespeare) The evacuation scheme now in operation in this country provides for the movement of school children accompanied by their teachers to safer areas in this country. Apart from the practical difficulties involved, a proposal to move individual children outside the country would introduce entirely different considerations and, as at present advised, my Noble Friend would not feel justified in making an approach to Dominion Governments on the lines suggested. Mr. Parker Will the hon. Gentleman bear this point in mind if a situation arises in which there is great danger in a large part of the country? Mr. Crowder Will my hon. Friend consider approaching the Dominion Governments with a view to their taking some of the aliens in this country, because we are getting very overcrowded? Rear-Admiral Beamish Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the test of a nation is the capacity of the civil population to put up with hardship and peril? 28. Mr. Parker asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many buildings earmarked for use as hostels by evacuated children who cannot be billeted in homes are in bad condition; that many local exacuation committees have been informed that such buildings, even if empty, may not be entered and repaired until evacuation has been ordered; and whether he will authorise authorities to proceed immediately with the necessary repairs? The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh) In view of recent developments my right hon. Friend sent local authorities some days ago a circular, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, authorising them to incur necessary and reasonable expenditure on acquiring and equipping emergency hostels. Motor Mechanics 29. Mr. Silkin asked the Home Secretary whether he will take steps to ensure that local authorities will not be left without sufficient motor mechanics to maintain the vehicles required for Civil Defence purposes as the result of the recent appeal by the Minister of Aircraft Production for motor mechanics? The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Mr. Mabane) :Yes, Sir. While this matter is primarily the responsibility of the local authorities, the Department will assist local authorities in every possible way to maintain this essential service. Aliens 30. Captain Plugge asked the Home Secretary whether he can give an assurance that every female alien domestic worker is known to the police; and whether he will consider making it a penal offence for an employer not to inform the police that he or she employs such a servant? Mr. Peake Every alien over the age of 16 is required to register with the police, and the occupier of any premises where an alien resides is required to satisfy himself that the alien has registered, and if not so satisfied to report to the police. Any failure therefore by an employer to see that the police have the requisite information is already an offence. Viscountess Astor Is it true that anybody born in an enemy country is an enemy alien? Mr. Peake That does not arise on this Question. Sir Henry Morris-Jones Is it not a fact that in certain rural areas in this country this Regulation does not seem to be known to the local police, and will my hon. Friend tighten the Regulation and make it more widespread? Mr. Peake The Regulation is certainly well known to the police, and I dare say that the effect of this Question and answer will be to make it better known to the general public. Viscountess Astor Will my hon. Friend be sure that it is known in the West Country, because at Plymouth, Devonport and so on, there are many domestic servants who are enemy aliens, and nobody has touched them? Allies (Rights And Privileges) 33. Captain Plugge asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider offering to grant, without any infringement of their sovereign rights, to all the countries who are fighting with us in the present war, the rights and privileges now enjoyed by the British Commonwealth of Nations? The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee) I do not consider that it is opportune to pursue this question at the present juncture. Armed Forces (Irish Volunteers) 34. Sir T. Moore asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the number of volunteers who have enlisted in the British fighting services from Eire and Northern Ireland, respectively, since 3rd September? Mr. Attlee The number of volunteers from Northern Ireland who have, joined the British Fighting Services from the beginning of September is approximately 10,860. As regards Eire, I regret that no figures are available giving the total number of volunteers. Mr. Silverman Can the right hon. Gentleman say what would have been the contribution from Northern Ireland had the National Service (Armed Forces) Act applied to that country? Sir Horace Wilson 35. Mr. Mander asked the Prime Minister what change there is to be in the functions hitherto performed by Sir Horace Wilson, other than those officially belonging to the Permanent Secretary ship of the Treasury? Mr. Attlee Sir Horace Wilson will perform the regular normal functions belonging to the Permanent Secretary of the Treasury. Mr. Mander Do I understand from that reply that he will not be personal adviser, to the Prime Minister? Mr. Lyons Is it not a fact that this officer was only obeying instructions given to him by a Minister? Mr. Attlee All civil servants carry out orders given to them by Ministers and Ministers are responsible for their acts.