9. Mr. J. J. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of air-raid protection schemes submitted by Scottish local authorities up to date, and the number accepted and rejected by his Department?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleThe Air-Raid Precautions Department are constantly engaged in considering and authorising arrangements on particular matters which are submitted to them by local authorities, and considerable progress is being made in the preparation of air raid general precautions schemes. No complete schemes have yet been formally submitted. As regards air-raid fire precautions schemes, 33 Scottish local authorities have submitted 198 schemes either separately or in combination. 14 schemes have been approved in principle, though not in every case in complete detail. None has been rejected, but many are the subject of correspondence.
Mr. DavidsonIn view of the lapse of time since air-raid precautions were introduced, and of the fact that up to the present no complete schemes have been submitted, is the Minister satisfied that adequate progress is being made?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleWe are doing our best to push on. The hon. Member will appreciate that the full scheme is an elaborate affair. My answer indicates progress in a number of directions.
10. Mr. Davidsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total number of gas-mask distributive centres now established in Scotland?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleNo local respirator stores have yet been established in Scotland, but proposals for such stores have been submitted by several local authorities, and are under consideration.
Mr. DavidsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is the answer that has been given to this question for many months? In view of the fact that only one store has been established in Scotland after all these years, can he indicate when local centres will be established in the various parts of Scotland?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleNot much time has elapsed since local authorities had an opportunity of making proposals. Certain local authorities, including Glasgow, have made proposals, and no time will be lost in considering them with a view to setting up stores.
Mr. DavidsonIs there any dissatisfaction among the Scottish local authorities with regard to the setting up of these stores?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleIt is for the local authorities to submit proposals.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartWhen the right hon. Gentleman is considering the possibility of creating gas-mask distribution centres will he bear in mind the necessity for a gas school?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleThat is a separate question.
§ Sir E. FindlayWhen the right hon. Gentleman is considering all this, will he remember that Scotland is considerably further from the danger centre, that the danger in Scotland is much less, and that a lot of money might be wasted?