§ 22. Mr. Tinkerasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that one urban district Council has decided to close 92 air-raid shelters because of their unsafe condition; and what steps he is taking to find out who were responsible for the specifications and materials they were constructed with?
§ Mr, H. MorrisonI presume that this is one of the cases where, at my instance, the local authority has reviewed the condition of its shelters and found a. proportion to be in such a condition as to necessitate their closing. On 20th March I explained in detail, in answer to the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher), the facts in regard to the official specifications issued during the period of cement shortage. There are, however, indications that in some areas the defects may have been due to bad workmanship and, as my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary stated in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for West Bristol (Mr. Culverwell) on 23rd April, I am looking into this aspect of the matter.
§ Mr. TinkerMay we take it that the persons guilty of misdoing will be dealt with?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe hon. Member will appreciate, that there must be some relationship to the legal advice that I may get. If I find cases which would be subject to appropriate action, that action will be taken.
§ Mr. R. C. MorrisonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the general opinion of the man in the street is that someone ought to be put in prison?