HC Deb 20 September 1939 vol 351 cc950-2
61. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of Anderson steel shelters supplied to the burgh of Kirkcaldy; and how have these been distributed, as between tenants of municipal and privately-owned property?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir John Anderson)

I have been asked to reply. The number of householder's steel shelters allocated to the burgh of Kirkcaldy up to date, including 300 in course of despatch this week, is 760. The information in my possession does not enable me to answer the second part of the question.

Mr. Kennedy

May I take it that there will be no discrimination between tenants of municipal and privately-owned property?

Sir J. Anderson

That is certainly the intention.

62. Mr. Cassells

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that no air-raid shelters were available for the schoolchildren of Falkirk, Stirlingshire, as at 10th September, 1939; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. Colville

I understand that the schools in Falkirk have been or are being provided with a certain amount of air-raid shelter accommodation and that this provision is being increased as rapidly as circumstances permit. In a circular issued by the Scottish Education Department on the 7th September Education Authorities were urged to complete with the least possible delay the measures for affording protection for children in neutral areas.

Mr. Cassells

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the schools of Falkirk could not possibly be opened until 10th September due to this inadequacy, and in these circumstances what steps is the Minister himself taking to force the hands of the local authorities concerned?

Mr. Colville

I understand that there has been difficulty about materials. I am anxious to do all I can to get local authorities to have the work completed and the schools opened.

Mr. Davidson

Is there any difficulty as to who is to bear the cost of erecting the air-raid shelters?

Mr. Colville

The proportion has been laid down.

Mr. Davidson

That is the difficulty.

63. Mr. Cassells

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether air-raid shelters are now erected and adjacent to schools in Kirkintilloch, Milngavie, Old Kilpatrick, Bowling, and the Vale of Leven, all in Dunbartonshire?

Mr. Colville

Proposals have been approved for the erection of air-raid shelters for schools in Old Kilpatrick, Bowling, and Vale of Leven, but the construction of the shelters has been delayed by the lack of materials. No proposals have yet been received for shelters at schools in Milngavie and Kirkintilloch. The education authority do not intend to open schools in neutral areas until adequate protection has been provided.

Mr. Cassells

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when, in the areas to which he has referred, the schools will be opened or, at any rate, the schools where shelters have been supplied?

Mr. Colville

I cannot say when they will be opened, but I am anxious that they should be opened as soon as possible, and I am in touch with the local authorities on the matter.

Mr. Cassells

May I take it that the right hon. Gentleman is dealing with the matter as expeditiously as possible?

Mr. Colville

Yes, Sir.