HC Deb 12 March 1946 vol 420 cc184-5W
90. Miss Herbison

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the dissatisfaction among Scottish troops stationed in Scotland caused by the decision to close the dispersal centre at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh; and if he will have this decision reconsidered in order that this centre, the only one in Scotland, will be retained.

Mr. Lawson

By March the peak flow of release will be passed and in view of the necessity to reduce overheads in every way possible, it has been decided that a number of Military Dispersal Units and Civilian Clothing Depots can be disbanded; the centre at Edinburgh is one of these. Even during the peak period the number of dispersals through Edinburgh has been relatively low as compared with the other centres. There are now comparatively few troops stationed in Scotland and the retention of a centre specially for their use would not be justified. Their dispersal will be carried out at York instead. In the case of men returning from overseas to homes in Scotland, no inconvenience will be caused by this arrangement, as York will generally be on their way home.