HC Deb 31 May 1938 vol 336 cc1821-2
43. Mr. Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the total amount expended on air-raid precautions by the Scottish Office up to date?

Mr. Colville

Pending the issue of the Approval of Expenditure Regulations and the examination of statements of expenditure subsequently submitted by local authorities payment of grants cannot be made to these authorities. In the meantime, however, a considerable amount of training equipment has been issued to local authorities at the expense of the Government, respirators for the majority of the population have been produced and stored and also other air-raid precautions equipment and materials. Two hundred and ninety motor pumping appliances with hose and other necessary equipment have been offered to Scottish local authorities who have submitted schemes of air-raid fire precautions and deliveries are proceeding as supplies become available from the manufacturers. It would be difficult to make any geographical apportionment of the total expenditure involved.

Mr. Westwood

Will the Secretary of State say when the new regulations dealing with approved expenditure will be issued?

Mr. Colville

The position is that the draft of the Approval of Expenditure Regulations has been issued to local authorities associations for their observations. Replies have been received from a majority of the Scottish authorities, and as soon as these can be considered, regulations will be issued as early as possible.

Mr. Davidson

Has any expenditure been made with regard to local distributive centres, where local authorities have agreed to set up local distributive centres for gas masks? Has any expenditure been made in connection with them or is it because no expenditure has been made that these centres are not being set up?

Mr. Colville

I understand that expenditure has been made in connection with the central store, but that as soon as possible expenditure will be incurred on the other.