HC Deb 12 March 1918 vol 104 cc171-2
45. Sir H. DALZIEL

asked the Prime Minister who is the authority responsible for the selection of London air shelters?

Sir G. CAVE

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The majority of the shelters have been placed at the disposal of the public by the owners or occupiers of the premises. These shelters are inspected by members of the Advisory Committee for Air-raid Shelters to the Commissioner of Police, and upon their recommendation any shelter deemed unsuitable is removed from the list. Much assistance is being given by local authorities.

Sir H. DALZIEL

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it advisable to appoint a responsible inspector on behalf of the Home Office, having regard to the fact that some of the air shelters have proved to be absolutely death traps?

Sir G. CAVE

I am not aware that the right hon. Gentleman's last statement is true. As a matter of fact, this Committee consists entirely of architects, who are giving a great deal of time and attention to the matter.

Sir H. DALZIEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that forty dead bodies were taken out of an authorised air-raid shelter?

Colonel C. LOWTHER

Can these shelters be made bomb-proof, and would it not be possible to secure for this purpose the services of convalescent wounded architects who have served in the Royal Engineers?

Sir G. CAVE

The Committee consists of architects, and some of the very best in London.

Mr. HOGGE

If it is the case that these are approved by architects, will the right hon. Gentleman make a special effort to protect them, in view of the fact that one of the shelters which was supposed to be safe produced the greatest disaster there has been in connection with an air raid?

Sir G. CAVE

There is a great deal of misunderstanding. The place to which my hon. Friend refers was a very strong building, indeed, on ordinary principles, but there is hardly any building in London which is proof against these enormously heavy bombs.

Colonel THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some little time ago there was a meeting of representatives of the county borough of West Ham and by a unanimous vote it was advised that the people should stay at home when air raids are on?

Sir G. CAVE

I have said so many times in this House, and I entirely agree with what the hon. Member says.

Colonel LOWTHER

Is it not the fact that there are wounded convalescent architects whose services could be used for this specific purpose?

Sir G. CAVE

If so, I should be very glad to have any offer of assistance.

Mr. GILBERT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who are the members of the Advisory Committee of the Home Office, and is he aware that the London County Council, which is the Building Act Authority for London, has not been consulted as regards any of these air-raid shelters?

Sir G. CAVE

I am quite sure my hon. Friend is wrong in his last statement. I cannot at the moment recollect the names of the Advisory Committee.

Sir H. DALZIEL

In view of the statement that people should stay at home, does the right hon. Gentleman propose to-withdraw the notices advising people to go to air shelters which are posted up?

Sir G. CAVE

There is no notice advising anybody to go to shelters, except persons who are in the streets.