§ 5. Mr. Lindsayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that accommodation in Scottish camp schools is to the extent of two-fifths vacant; and what action he proposes to take?
Mr. JohnstonI am aware that the accommodation in the camps is not being fully used. There appears to be a reluctance among parents to send their children away from home in present circumstances. I have already arranged to extend the use of some of the camps to include the reception of convalescent children for short periods, and I am considering what other arrangements can be made for using the vacant accommodation.
§ Mr. LindsayWould my right hon. Friend have a further look at this, because the reason children are not going is that there are no amenities in the camps? No advantage is being taken of the countryside. There is also the problem of dual management. Would he consider using this unique opportunity to get residential education for normal children in Scotland, as there is none at the present moment?
Mr. JohnstonI cannot accept all those statements of my hon. Friend, but I can assure him that the educational use to which these camps may be put has been the subject of constant and anxious attention by my Department.