§ 34. Mr. Kennedyasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered a complaint from the burgh of Kirkcaldy that Abden Home has been requisitioned by the military authorities to such an extent that the burgh council have difficulty in fulfilling their statutory obligations to paupers owing to the restricted accommodation; and whether, in view of the fact of the home not being technically a specified area, the cost of the provision of shelters necessitated by the presence of troops, would normally have to be borne by the ratepayers of Kirkcaldy, he will sympathetically consider the plea that the cost of the shelters should rank for Government grant?
§ Sir J. AndersonI understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that the representations made by the burgh council have been considered but that it is not possible for the military authorities to vacate the home as alternative accommodation for the troops is not available. In any event my right hon. Friend is informed that there is still sufficient accommodation in the home for the inmates. As regards the provision of shelters for the inmates, I doubt if the fact that a number of troops have been billeted in the home increases its liability to enemy attack to such an extent as to warrant the institution of special measures of protection which would not, but for the presence of the troops, be considered necessary.