HC Deb 27 June 1957 vol 572 cc406-7
44. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations about the demolition of air-raid shelters he has received from Newcastle-under-Lyme Rural District Council; what inquiries he has made at a result; and what action he proposes to take.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)

This Council has asked for the removal of two air-raid shelters at Bignall End which are on land on which building development is proceeding. There was no need for inquiries to supplement the information supplied by the Council and I have authorised the demolition of the shelters.

Mr. Royle

Will the Home Secretary look at this matter in the more general sense? Is it not time that all these menaces to good health were pulled down, and will he not now give authority to local authorities to remove them?

Mr. Butler

Well, I have previously answered Questions about other shelters. We do take into consideration the question of health as well as that of potential safety, but I must judge each case on its merits.