asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered a resolution from a meeting of headmasters in Edinburgh asking that the schools be reopened; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Yes, Sir. These and other representations on the subject have received careful consideration. It has been decided that in evacuation areas, subject to certain safeguards which have been communicated to the school authorities, the secondary departments of schools providing five-year secondary courses may be reopened for all purposes. As regards primary schools and other schools not included in the previous category reopening may at present take place only for the purpose of providing medical inspection and treatment for small groups of children and in order to prepare a roll of the children remaining in the area.

Does the opening of those schools depend on the amount of air-raid protection provided for the children?

That is a factor to be taken into account. When I mentioned safeguards I had that in mind.

Is it the main factor to be taken into account by the local authorities?

That and the location of the schools.