55. Duchess of ATHOLLasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of local authorities for Scotland which have been asked to undertake air-raid precautions; how many of these have refused to do so; and whether he is taking steps to bring home to these authorities a sense of responsibility for the safety of their citizens?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)All county and town councils in Scotland have been invited to undertake the preparation of air-raid precautionary schemes within their areas, and I have gratifying evidence of the readiness of the majority of local authorities to undertake this work. Up to the present only two local authorities have officially intimated that they are not prepared to co-operate, but I understand that in a very few other isolated cases the local authorities concerned have indicated their unwillingness to participate in the schemes. In reply to the last part of the question, steps are taken, as occasion arises, to point out to local authorities the importance of undertaking these precautions.
§ Colonel Sir CHARLES MacANDREWWhat local authorities refuse to take precautions against air raids?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe County Council of West Lothian and the Town Council of Wick.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the No-More War Movement is publishing names of local authorities not complying with this request which are inaccurate and untrue?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI have not seen anything of that sort.