asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, who is the responsible authority for supervising the billeting of children, soldiers, industrial workers and refugees throughout Scotland?

Mr. Johnston:

The billeting of evacuated children, homeless persons and industrial workers is carried out by the local authorities under the general supervision of the Department of Health for Scotland. The billeting of soldiers on behalf of the military authorities is carried out by the police who act under the general control of the Scottish Home Department. Ever since the evacuation plans were first made prior to the outbreak of war, arrangements have been in existence to co-ordinate the civil and military billeting, both centrally and locally.

Would my right hon. Friend look into this matter, because at the; present moment directors of education are hopelessly overburdened, and in some cases, especially in the areas in which lessons have begun, billeting officers are also public assistance officers and food officers? Really the whole matter does need attention.

Mr. Johnston:

If my hon. Friend could make any helpful suggestions in the matter, the officers in the receiving area would be most delighted. As the hon. Member is aware, these things come upon us suddenly, and it is almost impossible to make precise arrangements in every receiving area in advance.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will re-examine the present arrangements made for school children in reception areas of Scotland?

Mr. Johnston:

The evacuation arrangements now in operation are designed by the Government to secure, first, that the children will be billeted in suitable homes in the receiving areas and, second, that, as far as possible, they will be sent to areas where there are appropriate educational facilities. Adjustments and adaptations are continually being made in the arrangements to help to secure these ends.

Would my right hon. Friend look again into this matter too, because owing to private evacuation there is now a shortage of accommodation and a complete shortage of helpers? Is it not now necessary to institute some sort of child service throughout Scotland to look after the special interests of the children, in view of the great claims put upon women in munition work, etc.? Will he have a look at this question, because the rise of juvenile delinquency is really alarming in some areas?

Mr. Johnston:

I can assure the hon. Member that we look into this matter most anxiously every day, but, as I have already suggested, it is exceedingly difficult to lay down wholesale arrangements in advance.