HC Deb 15 May 1941 vol 371 cc1240-1
21. Mr. Lathan

asked the Home Secretary whether prosecutions are to be undertaken in the near future in regard to bad contracting in brick surface shelters?

Mr. H. Morrison

As I reminded my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Mr. Tinker) on 1st May, the fact that the execution of a job is found in some respects to be unsatisfactory will not necessarily justify the institution of legal proceedings. The institution of such proceedings would, of course, be a matter for the local authority as a party to the contract. I can assure my hon. Friend, however, that it is my desire that any clear case shall be pursued as far as possible whether by legal proceedings or otherwise.

22. Mr. Lathan

asked the Home Secretary whether any survey is being made of unauthorised shelters, with a view to closing unsatisfactory ones under the new Defence Regulation?

Mr. Morrison

The Regulation has been made, and as soon as prints are available will be circulated to Regional Commissioners with appropriate advice as to its enforcement and a request for it to be brought to the notice of the local authorities. Appropriate instructions to Regional Commissioners are on the point of issue; but in most cases I believe that existing shelters of this kind are already known and have been inspected.