§ 26. Mr. Lipsonasked the Home Secretary the cost of public air-raid shelters which, owing to poor material and bad construction, are unfit for use; and who was responsible for the preparation of the specifications of these shelters and, therefore, for the waste of a considerable sum of public money?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI presume my hon. Friend is referring to brick surface shelters in the construction of which lime-mortar was used. In answer to a Question by the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher) on 20th March, I explained the circumstances in which these shelters were constructed and I cannot add anything to that Answer.
§ Mr. LipsonIn view of the fact that these shelters have proved unsatisfactory and that at the time of their construction the local officials knew that the specifications were unsatisfactory, will the Government agree to pay a 100 per cent. grant of the cost, since the Government were responsible?
§ Mr. MorrisonI will consider that point, but I do not think it would be fair to pay local authorities a 100 per cent. grant in all cases. Not all this particular type of shelter are objectionable. Quite a number are all right, but we are taking a survey and weeding out those that arc objectionable.
§ Mr. MagnayWhy blame the local authorities for a shortage of cement?
31. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain day nurseries have been closed for lack of air-raid shelter provision, and that, due to this, mothers employed in 1147 ordnance factories have been compelled to leave their employment; and whether steps are being taken to remedy this deficiency?
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)I am not aware of the closure of any day nurseries for the reason mentioned, but if my hon. Friend will let me know of specific instances, I will have inquiries made.
Mr. AdamsWhile expressing respectful surprise at the Minister's statement that he is not in possession of this information, I shall be glad to supply him with it.