§ 38. Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the Home Secretary in order to protect the local population from overcrowding, what provision has been made to provide air-raid shelters for those attending greyhound race meetings at Harringay and the White City?
§ Mr. MabaneIt has not been the practice to require the provision of air-raid shelter for all those attending entertainments. In the case of greyhound race meetings, football matches, and similar outdoor entertainments, the grounds are used only for a matter of hours in each week in the daytime, the attendances have been limited, and the spectators are advised to remain on the ground if there should be an air-raid warning, though some of them would no doubt leave. A concrete stand affords a measure of protection; there is cover of this kind at Harringay for about 6,000 persons. No race meetings are being held at the White City.
§ Mr. HallSurely the hon. Gentleman is aware that many more than 6,000 are now attending these meetings, and it is grossly unfair to the local population that they should not only have the nuisance of these people coming but that in the event of an air raid they would run a great risk of not getting into the shelters. Can nothing be done to stop this state of affairs?
§ Mr. MabaneThe Government have adopted this policy in regard to entertainments. This has been the policy ever since the war started.
§ Mr. MabaneThat is another matter.