HC Deb 19 June 1947 vol 438 c2206
28. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to whom owners of property should apply for the cost of demolishing air-raid shelters which were erected compulsorily, under statute, upon private land.

Mr. Ede

Any question in connection with the demolition of shelters provided by local authorities for the protection of members of the public, whether upon private or public land, should be addressed to the local authority responsible for their erection.

Sir W. Smithers

In view of the fact that some of these shelters are rather large and were put up compulsorily, that the cost of demolition is rather heavy and that the space is required for factories and houses, would the right hon. Gentleman see to it that the cost is borne by someone else instead of it being on the shoulders of private employers?

Mr. Ede

If the persons concerned make application to the local authority, they will then ascertain whether the local authority, as is the case in some instances, is responsible for the demolition.