HC Deb 29 May 1956 vol 553 cc2-4
3. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Works what warnings or representations his Department received about the danger of fire in the London deep shelters; and by whom they were made.

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

No warnings or representations have been received, but at the request of my Department a Report was drawn up by the London Fire Brigade in 1951, when it was proposed to use Clapham South Shelter as a hostel in connection with the Festival of Britain. Twenty-seven of the twenty-nine recommendations in this Report were implemented. The other two were met by alternative arrangements which were agreed with the Fire Brigade.

Mr. Greenwood

Has the Minister forgotten that my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) warned the Government about the danger of fire in these shelters? Further, has he seen reports in the newspapers—I quote from the News Chronicle—that fire service chiefs in London had warned the Ministry of Works time and again about the fire hazard of this place? Is the right hon. Gentleman denying that further representations have been made since 1951?

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

As regards the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I am not aware of any representations having been made. As to what the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) said in the past, I do not think that he referred to the danger of fire, but only to the unsuitability of those shelters for troops. I think I am right in saying that he did not refer to the danger.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at least one of these deep shelters has been diverted from its original civilian purpose and has been wrongly used as an assembly centre for the Forces? Is it not strange that the right hon. Gentleman should not have made inquiries about the danger of fire for either purpose?

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

That is not quite the point which was raised in the supplementary question. I do not think that in the past the hon. and learned Member has referred to danger. However, this is a serious matter, and there is a Question for the Secretary of State for War later today, when it will be gone into further.

4. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Works what steps he is taking to avert the danger of fire in the London deep shelters.

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

My fire inspectors, who normally review these London deep shelters every six months, are already engaged in a special review of the fire precautions in each. As soon as I have their report, I will consider whether any further precautions are necessary. I should point out, however, that none of these shelters, with the exception of Goodge Street, has been in human occupation for a considerable time.

Mr. Greenwood

In the meantime, while the right hon. Gentleman is reviewing the situation, will he give an undertaking that these shelters will in no circumstances be used for purposes which might endanger human life?

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

I can certainly give that assurance.