§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that some of the 10 camps in Northern Ireland accommodating Gibraltarian evacuees for the last three years still have no proper sewage system, having been intended to be used as clearing stations only for a period not exceeding 48 hours; and what steps he proposes to take to see that this state of affairs is remedied without further delay.
Mr. Creech JonesIt is true that the camps in Northern Ireland were not originally designed for long-term accommodation, and the sewerage system is only intended for the disposal of rain and washing water. I am, however, informed that 241W the camps are provided with dry closets and that contractors remove the sewage daily.
§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is satisfied that adequate arrangements exist for the education of boys and girls, evacuees from Gibraltar, who are accommodated in the 10 camps in Northern Ireland; and whether facilities exist for training those who are nearing the school-leaving age in useful trades in addition to carpentry and dressmaking.
Mr. Creech JonesAdequate arrangements exist for the education of such Gibraltarian boys and girls in the Northern Ireland Camps as avail themselves of them. There is an elementary school with a trained teacher in every camp; and any boy or girl who reaches a sufficiently high standard to pass on to a secondary school is given every facility to do so. Facilities are similarly given to those who wish to attend technical schools; the Ministry of Health and Local Government providing fees, books, and the cost of transport. One young man is taking a correspondence course at the Ministry's expense. The real difficulty arises in arranging apprenticeships to trades, since openings are few and local firms naturally give preference to local boys. Every effort is being made to find a solution of this problem.