HC Deb 16 February 1943 vol 386 c1595
67. Major Lloyd

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consult with the Ministers concerned with education in Scotland and England with a view to expediting the evacuation of personnel of Civil Defence Services from school buildings and with the Ministry of Works with a view to constructing hutments as alternative accommodation for the Civil Defence Services where other accommodation is not available?

Mr. Peake

I have consulted my right hon. Friends, but as the position in England does not differ materially from that in Scotland, I am afraid I cannot add anything to the reply that was given to the hon. and gallant Member by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland on 9th February.

Major Lloyd

If it is a fact that the position in England does not differ materially from that in Scotland, is my right hon. Friend aware that there is growing indignation in Scotland at the fact that the authorities are not prepared to' make any real effort? Is he aware that the Civil Defence Services have been occupying these schools since before the war?

Mr. Peake

As the Secretary of State for Scotland pointed out, some inconvenience is inevitable owing to the shortage of labour and other materials. My hon. and gallant Friend did get an expression of extreme sympathy from the Secretary of State for Scotland, and I cannot think what more he hopes to obtain from my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

Major Lloyd

But is my right hon. Friend aware that sympathy, like patriotism, is not enough?

Sir H. Williams

Is it not the case that manufacturers of pre-fabricated huts are short of orders at the present time?

Mr. Peake

I could not say.