HC Deb 07 February 1939 vol 343 cc717-8
7. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the nature of the representations received from local authorities or other public bodies in Ayrshire with regard to the official schemes for evacuation, non-evacuation, and billeting?

Mr. Colville

Four of the 15 town councils in Ayrshire who were asked to carry out the survey of accommodation for the purpose of the Government evacuation scheme have represented that their areas should not be designated as receiving areas. I have promised to consider these representations in the light of the results of the survey. Three of the four town councils have agreed to proceed with the survey, and I hope that the remaining town council will also agree.

Sir T. Moore

Will my right hon. Friend remember that Ayrshire, and especially the West Coast, has a considerable number of harbours, ports, armament factories and other places that might be likely to attract hostile aircraft?

Mr. Colville

These circumstances will be taken into account, but the important thing is to get on with the survey.

8. Sir T. Moore

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the nature of the replies received to the circular letter from the Scottish Education Department urging the need for the avoidance on the part of children of playing with gas masks; and what steps have been taken to give publicity to the advice of the Department on this subject?

Mr. Colville

The circular letter to which my hon. Friend refers did not call specifically for any reply. I have ascertained, however, that in all areas where a distribution of gas masks to children has been made, publicity has been given to the contents of the circular by the means suggested in its second paragraph.

Mr. Davidson

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider withdrawing the gas masks from the four areas that do not want any children to be evacuated there?