§ 5. Mr. Kirbyasked the President of the Board of Education if he will issue instructions for the strengthening of school surface shelters, as has been done in relation to public shelters by the Minister of Home Security; such instructions to carry with them the customary Government grant in respect of such work.
§ Captain McEwen (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. The local education authority in consultation with the local Air Raid Precautions authority, is primarily responsible for determining the arrangements for protection of school children which are appropriate to the circumstances of the area. The existing instructions provide that school surface shelters may be strengthened, with the customary grant in respect of such work, where local cir- 773 cumstances justify such work at the present time.
§ Mr. KirbyIs it not a fact that the Minister of Home Security has issued instructions in regard to surface shelters, whereas up to now, so far as I can find out, the President of the Board of Education has failed to issue such instructions and applications made by local authorities have been turned down by the Board, which has "passed the buck" to the Ministry of Home Security?
§ Captain McEwenI will convey the sense of my hon. Friend's remarks to my right hon. Friend.