§ 31. Mr. Doddsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what study was made of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Vagrancy in Scotland in 1934 with regard to the particular problems of gypsies and tinkers; what decisions were taken, as a result of the investigation, that have been of benefit to these types of travellers; and what is the present position with regard to gypsies in Scotland.
§ Mr. MaclayThis Report, received in 1936, dealt primarily with classes of vagrants other than gypsies and tinkers, and its recommendations have largely been overtaken by post-war developments of the social services. While local difficulties occasionally arise in relation to tinker families, usually in the northern counties, there is no general problem in Scotland at the present time.
§ Mr. DoddsIs the Minister aware that people concerned with the gypsy problem would like to congratulate the Scots on the humane way in which they have tried to deal with this problem, which is in marked contrast to the disgraceful conditions in this country which make a mockery of the claim of both sides of the House about the brotherhood of man, which seems to apply in other countries but not on our own doorstep?
§ Mr. MaclayI was so astonished about anything polite being said about anything which we do in Scotland that I found it difficult to answer. Far be it from me to make any comment on what happens south of the Border.