HC Deb 06 November 1940 vol 365 cc1341-2
67. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the borough of Leyton is now included in evacuation schemes and facilities and in respect of the improvement of protection in the same manner as the neighbouring borough of West Ham; and whether he has made, or will make, arrangements for the usage of further portions of the tunnels, together with the provision of lighting, now used by a large number of people at night Who are citizens of Leyton and neighbouring districts?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Miss Wilkinson)

So far as shelter protection is concerned, Leyton is in identically the same position as is West Ham. My hon. Friend's reference to tunnels relates, I take it, to the eastern extension of the tube; my information is that, except for a part which is reserved for other purposes, all suitable sections are used for shelter and that the lighting arrangements are being improved. As regards evacuation, the general facilities for the evacuation of mothers with children are at present confined to the administrative County of London, together with East and West Ham.

Mr. Sorensen

Can my hon. Friend say why there should be this discrimination made between areas like West Ham and Leyton, when both areas are being subjected to just as much damage; and is she aware that the whole of the available space has not been used in the way that she apparently believes? I was there last night, and I can assure her that it is not so.

Miss Wilkinson

With regard to the planning arrangements being of a different kind, the matter is one of longstanding Home Office policy, and questions upon that subject should be referred to my right hon. Friend. I know exactly how every part of the tunnelling is being used, and my information is really more accurate than the individual examination of my hon. Friend.

Mr. Sorensen

May I ask my hon. Friend again why there should be this discrimination between two areas, both of them equally affected and contiguous to each other, and will she use her influence to see that the borough of Leyton is included along with the boroughs of East Ham and West Ham?

Miss Wilkinson

I can assure my hon. Friend that my knowledge of the different sections of London is not as large as his. He has had much greater experience than I have, and perhaps he will therefore address any question on that point to my right hon. Friend on the next Sitting day, which is the Home Office day.