HC Deb 28 January 1943 vol 386 c610
52. Mr. Lipson

asked the President of the Board of Education whether in view of the concern felt by members of the Cheltenham education authority and others at his refusal to give the required priority for the work of replacing at two schools the timber shelters condemned as unsatisfactory by the local borough engineer by steel ones for which the material is available, he will reconsider his decision and give the necessary priority for the work?

Mr. Butler

The operational requirements of the Fighting Services must at present have the first priority, and it is accordingly necessary to postpone other work. I will, however, take all possible steps to ensure that this important work is undertaken as soon as circumstances permit.

Mr. Lipson

In view of the anxiety felt by parents, will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he will give full support to the efforts of the local education authority to provide safer shelters?

Mr. Butler

Yes, we have always tried to follow that policy, in view of its obvious importance.