§ 16 and 17. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many military aid to the civil community projects were completed in Scotland in 1968; and what was their cost;
§ (2) what plans he has for military aid to the civil community projects in Scotland in 1969.
§ Mr. BoydenSome 60 projects were carried out in Scotland in 1968, and at present about 30 are under consideration for 1969. As they all provide good training for the Services, they are financed from Defence Votes. However, any expenditure additional to the normal cost of training is recovered from the organisations concerned; so far this year it amounts to some £15,000.
§ Mr. DalyellIs my hon. Friend aware of the undoubted success of this imaginative project, and is it not possible, in reference to additional funds, for the Government to provide some funds which are not on the Defence Vote, or loosen up the uses for which Defence Vote funds, are given?
§ Mr. BoydenThe main effort is through training. This is an essential of the scheme, but it would be very much blurred if the costs were not on the Defence Vote.
§ Mr. MonroWould the hon. Gentleman accept that the people of Scotland are delighted that these works are carried out by the Army, and will he make every effort to encourage them as they help the civilian population and also assist Army training?
§ Mr. BoydenYes. That is what we are doing.