§ 39. Sir H. Williamsasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that persons who erect brick or concrete air-raid shelters in their gardens at their own expense, are being charged a percentage fee on the cost by district surveyors under the London Building Acts; what services the district surveyors render for this fee; and whether he will take steps to waive such fees in respect of any air-raid shelter erected within the London area at private expense?
§ Miss HorsbrughAs my hon. Friend is aware, the functions and duties of district surveyors in regard to the supervision of buildings and structures are laid down in the London Building Acts. The scale of fees chargeable is also laid down in the Acts, and my right hon. Friend has no power to waive them. I understand, however, that the London County Council 1975 have issued general directions to the district surveyors under which the fees in respect of small air-raid shelters are remitted.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs the hon. Lady aware that where people have been provided with shelters free of charge no fee has been charged, but that when people relieve the local authorities by constructing shelters themselves they are charged a surveyor's fee in respect of which the surveyor performs no functions?
§ Miss HorsbrughIf the hon. Member will look at the last part of my reply, he will see that arrangements are being made that this fee should be remitted.