asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the fact there are four Army apprentice schools in the United Kingdom but none located in Scotland, he proposes to establish such a school there in the near future; and, if so, where.

Consideration has been given to the possibility of establishing in Scotland a fifth school for Army apprentices, but owing to shortage of manpower and accommodation, as well as the cost of the project, I regret that at present I see no prospect of carrying it out, at least for some considerable time.

The Minister has in mind, of course, the mobilisation of the martial spirit of the Scottish people to an extent which I hope will not preclude him from considering this proposal in the future?

I am fully conscious of the desire of the Scottish people to help in this regard, but at the moment I cannot undertake this additional task.

When the right hon. Gentleman has considered it, I hope favourably, will he also consider opening it himself as an Army apprentice?

The hon. and gallant Member seems to be unaware that I am already a full-blown craftsman.