§ Mr. Grovesasked the Home Secretary whether he has been informed of the criticisms concerning the air-raid precautions arrangements in Glasgow respecting the lavish expenditure in decorations as compared with the provision of medical equipment; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am not aware of any grounds for criticism of expenditure on the decoration of premises used for Civil Defence purposes in Glasgow. The provision of medical equipment is a matter for the Secretary of State for Scotland. I am informed, however, that the medical equipment in Glasgow conforms to the general standard in Scotland, which is the same as that in England.
§ Mr. Grovesasked the Home Secretary whether he is satisfied that the redecoration of air-raid precautions centres in Glasgow, now being undertaken, is necessary, as they were prepared and decorated two years ago?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am informed that there are in all 38 centres, of which only 941W a small number were completely redecorated two years ago, and that it is now proposed to redecorate 5 wholly and 17 partially. The work in most cases consists only of giving certain rooms a coating of distemper. The local authority, who are responsible in this matter, consider this necessary both in the interest of the Civil Defence volunteers and also to meet the requirements of the normal maintenance of the buildings, and I have no reason to question their decision.