HC Deb 09 October 1940 vol 365 cc364-5
31. Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that there are 3,000 Anderson shelters in Hornchurch requiring waterproofing, and that only two-sevenths of the necessary cement asked for this work is to be granted to the council; and what steps he is taking to expand cement supplies to be put at the disposal of local authorities to enable the waterproofing to be done, and the building, where necessary, of supplementary concrete shelters?

The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Home Security informs me that the quantity of cement he has been able to release for the shelters at Horn-church from the allocation to his Department is substantially as stated in the Question. Owing to the exceptionally heavy demands for cement during recent months, it has been necessary to operate a system of allocation between Departments. At the same time energetic steps are being taken to expand the output of cement by every possible means.

Mr. Parker

Is the Minister aware that last winter all the shelters in this district were completely unusable owing to being flooded, and that unless something is done in the immediate future they will be unusable in the coming winter, and certainly there will be riots in the district?

Sir P. Harris

Will the Minister consider giving high priority to cement for shelter purposes in the weeks immediately ahead, as there are thousands of shelters all round London which cannot be used owing to the absence of cement?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir, but the allocation of cement as between Departments is a matter for the Minister without Portfolio, who answers to this House.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the Minister not aware that some of this cement is of poor quality, and can he guarantee that the fresh supplies will be of the highest quality?

Sir A. Duncan

Yes, Sir; so far as it is possible to guarantee cement, that guarantee will be given.

Mr. Parker

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first opportunity.

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