§ 57. Mr. KENNEDYasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the occupation of schools in the Buckhaven and Denbeath districts of Fifeshire by the military authorities; why the protest of the local education authority against this disturbance of the educational work of the district has been ignored; and why the schools are now being used for the billeting of soldiers in view of the fact that two large unoccupied buildings in the immediate vicinity, used for billeting during the perod of the War, are available?
§ Sir R. SANDERSMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I have no information as to the statements contained in this question, but a report is being obtained from the local military authorities, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is received.
§ Mr. KENNEDYIs it not possible to state when the troops can be removed?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI am making inquiries about that.
§ Mr. KENNEDYHas the Prime Minister considered the resolution submitted to him by the town council of Buckhaven protesting against the introduction of troops in this district, expressing an assurance that the local police, with the assistance of the local miners, are perfectly capable of maintaining order, and calling for the withdrawal of these troops?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI can only give the same answer to that as I gave to questions put with respect to similar cases in South Wales. If those who are responsible for law and order do not wish for the assistance of troops, naturally they would be withdrawn, but as long as they require their aid we are bound to send them there.
§ Mr. KENNEDYMay I ask if the troops in this case will be withdrawn on representations from the local authorities?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like to have notice of that question.