§ 53. Mr. Shinwellasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can make a statement on the progress made in the construction of air-raid trenches; and when he expects the work to be completed?
§ Sir J. AndersonIf, as I presume, the hon. Member is referring to the reconstruction of the trenches dug in September last, I am informed that over the country as a whole the position is now satisfactory. There are, however, some areas in which the work of reconstruction has been held up, because of special local difficulties, and I am not in a position to say when the work will be finally completed in all these areas.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently work was commenced on some of the trenches in public parks, particularly in the London area, and has now been suspended; and can the right hon. Gentleman arrange for some supervision by his own Department?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have been in touch with the situation, and I think I know the case which the hon. Gentleman has in mind. It was a case where a contractor, after starting the work, defaulted and the local authority had to make a further contract and had to take special steps to ensure that work under the new contract would be completed.
§ Mr. ShinwellIn order to reassure the public, is it not desirable that the right hon. Gentleman should give some approximate date when the work will be completed?
§ Sir J. AndersonPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question down with regard to that.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is exactly what I have asked in the last part of the question?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe hon. Gentleman will appreciate that I cannot give within the limits of a reply the dates for all these works.
§ Mr. PilkingtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are also congested areas in South Lancashire where there are no trenches at all, and can he expedite the creation of trenches there?
§ Sir J. AndersonThat is a different question.