HC Deb 19 March 1947 vol 435 cc386-7
15. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will make a statement upon the future use of Crail Naval Airforce Station.

Mr. Dugdale

It has now been decided to use the Naval Air Station at Crail as a boys' training establishment. It is hoped to begin the training of boys at Crail about the beginning of May.

Mr. Stewart

Can the hon. Member say how many boys are to be brought there; and can he give any indication how the training establishments may develop in the course of the next year or two years?

Mr. Dugdale

No, Sir. The details have not been worked out. We have simply agreed the principle. I think the hon. Member will be interested to know that this is the first time boys of the seaman and communications branches have been trained on shore in Scotland.

Mr. Stewart

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his last statement will be welcomed in Scotland, and if he could couple with it some decision about Rosyth, we should be well pleased?

Mr. Kirkwood

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the only time the Navy thinks about Scotland is when there is a war on?