§ 29. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that teachers in Scotland have been anxious regarding the lack of emergency supplies of foodstuffs, including chocolate, in schools for schoolchildren in the event of the pupils being detained for several hours in school in consequence of air-raid alarms; whether some equivalent to the English circular 1535 on Air-Raid Precautions for Schools has been issued to schools in Scotland; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?
Mr. JohnstonI have no evidence of any anxiety among teachers regarding the lack of emergency rations for children during school hours in the event of air raiding. The provision of such rations for children who might be compelled to stay in school owing to prolonged daylight alerts has not hitherto been considered generally necessary in Scotland, but the question will be kept continually under review. As far as air raid precautions in Scottish schools generally are concerned, I am sending the hon. and learned Member a copy of a memorandum which I have issued on the subject.
§ Mr. GibsonCan my right hon. Friend say when that memorandum was issued?
§ Mr. GibsonIf I send to my right hon. Friend particulars of cases in Scotland where teachers have provided emergency rations at their own expense, will he look into them?
§ Mr. Neil MacleanDoes that memorandum contain information which might be useful to other Members of Parliament in other constituencies? If so, will my right hon. Friend send them copies also?
Mr. JohnstonPerhaps my hon. Friend will allow me to consider that. I do not know whether the usual practice in sending out copies is to distribute from the Department or from the Vote Office.
§ Mr. MacleanMembers are usually asked questions by parents of children with regard to the steps that have been taken.