HC Deb 03 May 1972 vol 836 cc369-70
10. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the future of camps at Abington and Aberfoyle, which are partly financed by his Department.

Mr. Monro

I am now considering the views of the constituent bodies of the Scottish National Camps Association and of other interested parties on the future of the five school camps. I hope shortly to have further discussions with the association before coming to any decision.

Mr. Dalyell

As in this matter the Minister's heart is in the right place, may I ask who is pressing for the closure of the camps?

Mr. Monro

I know the hon. Gentleman's great interest in these camps. Last month I visited Abington and West Linton, and I was impressed with what I saw.

Mr. Dalyell

Answer the question.

Mr. Monro

I shall if the hon. Gentleman will wait a moment. The Government and the association have looked very carefully at the figures for rebuilding the camps, bearing in mind that they are all more than 30 years old, and that must be taken into consideration before we come to a final decision.

Mr. Edward Taylor

Can my hon. Friend give any idea of what cash is involved in maintaining the camps in their present form and how much would be involved in rebuilding them?

Mr. Monro

Bearing in mind their size, to rebuild the camps would cost about £1 million. It would cost substantially less to maintain them. The capital expense of doing so would be of a much lower order and I am looking very carefully to see how we can do this.

Mr. Maclennan

Who is pressing the Department to close the camps?

Mr. Monro

I am giving careful consideration to the point which the hon. Gentleman is making—

Mr. Dalyell

Who?

Mr. Monro

—and I shall make an announcement when I have considered all the facts.