21. Mr. J. J. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the considerable amount of travelling expenses incurred by Scottish local government officials attending anti-gas schools in England; and whether he proposes to establish an anti-gas training school in Scotland?
§ Mr. ColvilleI would refer the hon. Member to the Reply given on 2nd June 1684 to a question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart).
Mr. DavidsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that since then the combined local authorities of Scotland have made representations that an anti-gas school should be established in Scotland and thus save them those expenses, and in view of the fact that this is a reasonable and legitimate demand from the Scottish local authorities, and that the refusal tends to act against efficient air-raid precautions schemes, will he reconsider the whole proposal?
§ Mr. ColvilleNo, Sir. I should require to have fresh evidence submitted to me that, in fact, the present arrangement is unsatisfactory.
Mr. DavidsonWill not the Secretary of State accept as evidence the fact that the whole of the Scottish local authorities say that it is unnecessary and expensive?
§ Mr. ColvilleI have received no such representation.