§ 40. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that many of the scholars attending St. Columba's School, Greenock, have to travel considerable distances especially from the east side of Greenock; that omnibuses conveying these scholars discharge them a long way from the school, so that many of the children often arrive at school wet; that the facilities for drying clothing at the school are inadequate; and what steps he intends to take to prevent these scholars having to sit in school all day in wet clothing?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am informed that the school is within 300 yards of the bus route. As to the facilities for drying, the cloakrooms, which are ample, are efficiently heated by radiators, and I am informed that no complaint has been made to the education authority on this score.
§ Mr. GibsonIs it not a fact that these children have to walk at least 300 yards in the wet weather conditions that sometimes prevail in that part of Greenock, and will he take this matter up, because I myself have seen the conditions prevailing at this school and know something about them?