44. Major Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the schools under the control of the Glasgow Corporation are forbidden to form units of the Air Training Corps and that the use of school premises is denied to Air Training Corps cadets; and whether he will consult with the Glasgow Corporation with a view to altering this state of affairs?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)I am advised that the Glasgow Corporation, by granting the use of accommodation and other facilities, have actively assisted in the development of open units of the Air Training Corps—that is, units whose membership is not restricted to boys of particular schools. But they 1382 decline to assist closed units, that is, units whose membership is restricted to particular schools.
Major LloydIs my right hon. Friend aware what a great handicap this is to organisers of the Air Training Corps in Glasgow; and would he exercise every possible pressure to try to do away with this bigoted attitude of the Glasgow Corporation?
§ Mr. JohnstonIt is obvious that there is a very extreme difference of opinion on this matter. It is not confined to Glasgow; there is at least one other city which takes the same view.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs there not a war on and should not that fact be given consideration?
§ Mr. Kenneth LindsayAs with one exception this attitude is unique in Britain, and as 5o per cent. of the officers are teachers themselves and the training is a good technical training, will my right hon. Friend take some steps in the matter?
§ Mr. JohnstonWe have made the most exhaustive inquiries as to the attitude of the Glasgow Corporation—
§ Mr. DenvilleWhy not make an order?
§ Mr. JohnstonWe have no power to make orders in this matter.
§ Mr. Austin Hopkinsonrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerThis, again, is developing into a Debate.