HC Deb 01 May 1939 vol 346 cc1497-8
37. Mr. David Adams

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can now state the alternative form of shelter for use where the special steel shelter cannot be used and there is no basement capable of being strengthened?

The Lord Privy Seal (Sir John Anderson)

Designs for alternative forms of shelter have been completed and will be published as soon as the necessary printing and reproduction of designs has been carried out—I hope within the next 10 days.

Sir W. Davison

Can my right hon. Friend say now when the pamphlet dealing with basements in houses not eligible for grant will be published?

Sir J. Anderson

That has been delayed, I am sorry to say, owing to the reproduction of the designs having taken a few days longer than was expected, but I am assured that it will be available this week.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Are these alternative shelters to be provided at Government expense to all those whose incomes are below£250 a year?

Sir J. Anderson

I would like that question put down.

38. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the conference on air raid shelters took evidence from the Finsbury Borough Council or its architects.

Sir J. Anderson

The conference took evidence from the engineer and a representation of the architects on whose recommendations the Finsbury Borough Council based their shelter proposals.

39. Mr. Tinker

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is now in possession of the reports obtained from those parts of the country where they have tried blackouts in mining areas; and what success he has had from colliery companies in respect of his appeal to them to deal with burning pit heaps?

Sir J. Anderson

On the occasion of recent black-outs the weather conditions have been such that no further reports of aerial observation upon the effect of burning pit heaps could be obtained. It is hoped, however, to repeat the South-West Lancashire "black-out" about the middle of this month, and I will arrange for aerial observation to be made of any burning pit heaps in that area. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that, as a result of the investigations undertaken by the local committees of the Mining Association in cooperation with the alkali inspectors of the Ministry of Health, measures have been suggested in a number of cases for dealing with burning pit heaps, and that these measures are being applied by the colliery companies concerned.

Mr. Tinker

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will keep putting pressure on the coalowners until he has got them all out.