HC Deb 04 December 1958 vol 596 c1345
19. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will authorise the demolition of unsightly and inconveniently placed air-raid shelters in Slough, particularly the shelters in Whitby Road.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. David Renton)

The demolition of shelters at the public expense is authorised only if they are structurally unsound or if their removal is necessary for medical or other special reasons. As the hon. Member knows, my right hon. Friend is not satisfied that these conditions are fulfilled in the particular case referred to.

Mr. Brockway

Does not the Home Office recognise that these shelters are both unsightly and inconveniently placed? Since they were erected at public expense, surely, on behalf of the residents and householders to whom they are so objectionable, the Home Office should give permission for their removal at public expense.

Mr. Renton

All the public shelters in Slough have already been removed. These shelters are on private land and are privately owned. Their removal at public expense could be justified only for special reasons, such as medical reasons, or because they were dangerous.