HC Deb 12 November 1940 vol 365 cc1584-6
65. Mr. Brooke

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that his circular 262/1940 to local authorities, which promises them that the Government will reimburse the whole cost of construction and equipment of approved air-raid shelters contracted for by them after 19th October, but not before that date, discriminates financially in favour of those authorities which have been backward in shelter construction, and against those which provided shelters on a proper scale when they were originally called upon to do so; and what steps does he propose to take to ensure that ratepayers are not made to bear an extra burden because their council has done its duty?

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

It is not practicable to avoid seine inequalities when the rates of grant are altered. The alteration which has been made is designed to meet present circumstances and I can hold out no expectation that it will be made retrospective.

Mr. Brooke

Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware of the disastrous long-term effects of this decision on local government if slack local authorities can expect to receive from the Government rewards for their slackness?

Miss Wilkinson

I am quite aware that this matter involves a grave question of policy, and for that reason I think the Question ought to be put to my right hon. Friend.

71. Mr. Brooke

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the wet conditions, caused by leakage through cracks and at the entrances, in a number of the shelters provided by the London County Council for their tenants on the Honor Oak estate, Brockley, and that, although complaints have been made by the tenants over a long period, no effective action has vet been taken; and will he see that the council remedies these troubles without further delay?

Miss Wilkinson

I have arranged for a special inspection of these shelters. It appears that dampness undoubtedly exists, but the conditions can be remedied and the L.C.C. are being advised to proceed with the work at once.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Is not the hon. Lady aware that this is only one of hundreds of cases in London? Only last night people queued up in wet conditions, and will she convey to her right hon. Friend the suggestion that if a few more engineers or outsiders are brought in, they could help to deal with this urgent problem, which is getting beyond local surveyors and authorities?

Miss Wilkinson

We know that this problem of damp exists. I have seen it in the London shelters which I have visited night after night, but we are putting the best experts we have on to the matter, and a special report is promised for Thursday. We are having a special drive to deal with this problem of damp.

Dr. Edith Summerskill

Could the hon. Lady say whether the Minister is advising local authorities to heat shelters?

Miss Wilkinson

That is another Question.