HC Deb 02 November 1939 vol 352 cc2083-4
28. Mr. Viant

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the difficulties confronting the Civil Defence committees arising from the refusal of tenants occupying ground-floor tenements to allow steel shelters to be erected in the back gardens for the use of upstairs tenants; and whether he will consider the need for further legislation whereby equality of protection shall be available for such persons?

Sir J. Anderson

I am aware of the difficulty to which the hon. Member refers, but I doubt whether it is one which calls for legislation. As I said in answer to a question last Session, I hope that there will be few cases where some reasonable accommodation cannot be reached between people living in the same building; and, in the last resort, the local authority would be able to meet the position by the provision of a public shelter.

Mr. Viant

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a considerable number of persons so situated and that it is impossible to provide an adequate number of shelters in such congested areas?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, but, on the other hand, with people living in close proximity, in face of the menace which threatens us, I do not think any method of compulsion would be likely in practice to succeed.

44. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Home Secretary when air-raid shelters will be available for Mexborough and district; and when distribution is likely to commence?

Sir J. Anderson

This area is included among those to which steel shelters are to be supplied, but in view of the requirements of other areas which I must regard as more likely to be exposed to attack, I cannot promise early deliveries to Mexborough.

Mr. Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this district was surveyed for air-raid shelter six months ago, that numerous letters have been sent to his Department, and that interviews have taken place, and so far only 30 families out of 4,000 families have been catered for?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, Sir, but the hon. Member must realise that I must pay regard to the order of priority which has been laid down after careful consideration. I could not divert shelters to areas out of the order of priority except at the expense of other areas.

Mr. Williams

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot do anything in regard to Anderson shelters for this neighbourhood will he persuade his Department to enable the local authority to make shelters available where they deem shelters necessary?

Sir J. Anderson

I will certainly go into that matter.

Mr. Thorne

Would it make any difference if they changed the name of the shelter?

Sir J. Anderson

No, Sir; at the moment it is too popular.