HC Deb 09 July 1940 vol 362 c1081
60. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary what steps he is taking with reference to the refusal by the Staffordshire Education Committee to allow the use by the public of school air-raid shelters after school hours; and what is the practice in the country generally?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Mr. Mabane)

Instructions on this subject have recently been issued to all Regional Headquarters, and I will send my hon. Friend a copy of them.

Mr. Mander

Will the hon. Gentleman inform the House whether it is the Government's policy that these shelters should be available to the general public after school hours?

Mr. Mabane

I think that if the hon. Member will read the instructions, he will find the reasons, which are very lengthy.

Mr. Mander

As this is a matter of principle and the hon. Gentleman has given a very short answer, perhaps he will give some further explanation?

Mr. Mabane

When the shelters are not at a given time being used by school children, then in certain circumstances it is desirable that the public should use them; but it is not desirable, when there is danger of the public getting in the way of the school children.