HC Deb 05 December 1944 vol 406 c325
3. Mr. Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the camp schools are still in operation; what percentage of the accommodation is filled; and on what basis children are selected to attend them.

Mr. T. Johnston

Four camp schools are still in operation and approximately 42 per cent. of the accommodation is occupied. Children still remaining in the camps were sent there under evacuation scheme arrangements and those who can return home will do so at the end of this month. I am at present in consultation with the three large local authorities who have had most experience in the use of these camps as to their future possible use.

Mr. Lindsay

While I am glad to know that my right hon. Friend is in touch, is it not pretty serious when one of the camps has closed down and less than half are full? Will he use this golden opportunity to start some public boarding schools in Scotland?

Mr. Johnston

That hardly arises out of the particular Question on the Order Paper. I think my hon. Friend would be well advised, knowing the difficulties of the matter, to allow the negotiations presently in progress to proceed.