§ 28. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will transfer to the appropriate local councils the authority to decide on the desirability of maintaining or demolishing air-raid shelters.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI think it is desirable to retain central control in the interests of uniformity of practice and as the whole cost of demolition, in approved cases, is reimbursed to the local authority by the Exchequer.
§ Mr. JegerWhile that may be all very well in theory, in practice many of these air-raid shelters are unsafe and insanitary and the breeding ground of pests. Will not the right hon. Gentleman trust local authorities a little more and give them a little more of the freedom about which we hear in his propaganda?
§ Mr. ButlerShelters are demolished on Home Office authority at public expense if they are unsound, if their removal is essential for medical reasons, or if they obstruct road traffic or building development, and we continue to use that power.