§ 70. Mr. Brookeasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the feeling of injustice among people just outside the income limits for free Anderson shelters who cannot purchase their own shelters owing to cement or steel not being available, and yet see Anderson shelters, to the cost of which they, as taxpayers, have had to contribute, lying unoccupied by their possessors; and whether he has any definite proposals to help people in this position?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Miss Wilkinson)I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on 22nd October. I am glad to report that considerable progress has been made, and the preparation of an amending regulation is now in hand.
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonWould my hon. Friend look into the question of people who, on grounds of income, are not eligible to receive Anderson shelters free, but are willing to pay for their shelters, and who are unable to get them because no cement will be released?
§ Miss WilkinsonI am glad to be able to tell my hon. Friend that the regulation which is to be made will deal with this matter.
§ Sir Joseph LambIs the hon. Lady aware that in one city there are thousands of these Anderson shelters which are not allowed to be issued, and that in others there are none available?
§ Miss WilkinsonI do not think that the hon. Member is quite correct in saying that. We know where all the Anderson shelters are, and the greatest possible us is being made of them.
§ Mr. ThorneHave the local authorities power to move those shelters to other places where they may be required?
§ Miss WilkinsonThat is a point we are making clear in the regulation.