§ Mr. Macleanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered a protest from the Kilsyth Town Council against the manner in which airraid precautions equipment is being distributed; whether he is aware that on 7th March two parcels were received, one containing a spade, a pick and an axe and the other a crowbar; that on 7th June a spade came; that these articles were sent from London, but could have been purchased more cheaply from local merchants; and whether he will have the Department of supplies so reorganised as to secure an improvement in the quantities and methods of delivery?
§ Mr. ColvilleI have received a representation from Kilsyth Town Council to the effect stated by the hon. Member. The complete equipment of a light trailer pump consists of some 36 different articles, and the equipment recently delivered at Kilsyth relates to two such pumps. Effort is made to ensure that as far as possible pumps and articles of equipment are delivered about the same time. The production of numerous different firms cannot, however, be exactly synchronised, and in order to expedite training and other preparations it is 759W desirable that supplies should be delivered as soon as they become available. All pumps and equipment are supplied by His Majesty's Office of Works at the sole cost of the Exchequer, under a system of bulk contracts which ensures the greatest economy in purchase costs.