HC Deb 14 June 1951 vol 488 cc2507-8
37. Mr. Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local authorities have notified the Home Office that before undertaking the second stage of the air-raid shelter survey called for in Civil Defence Circular No. 48/1950 they desire to be assured that the whole cost of the survey and the provision of shelters will be borne by the Exchequer.

Mr. de Freitas

Three, Sir. Two have withdrawn their objections, and we are having discussions with the third.

38. Mr. Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when local authorities will be informed that they may engage additional staff necessary to complete the second stage of the shelter survey called for in Civil Defence Circular No. 48/1950; and whether he is now prepared to authorise a 100 per cent. grant for this purpose.

Mr. de Freitas

Local authorities do not need Home Office approval for this but I hope they will not find it necessary to take on additional staff. As to the second part, the answer is "No, Sir."

Mr. Braine

Has the Home Office not considered the view that it is wrong for local authorities in vulnerable areas to bear this expense while other local authorities elsewhere may not have to incur any expense at all; and should not the whole cost of these defence works be borne by the Exchequer?

Mr. de Freitas

Discussions are going on at present with the local authorities' associations about the rate of the Exchequer grant.