§ 15. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of air-raid shelters still standing in Scotland, with particular regard to the City of Aberdeen; if he is aware that many of them are insanitary, are eyesores, occupy ground needed for drying greens and playgrounds and block out natural light; and if he will state Government policy relating to them, and take steps to have them removed.
§ Mr. MaclayApproximately 14,300 shelters are still in existence in Scotland, including about 2,750 in the City of Aberdeen for which the Corporation is responsible.
It is the policy of the Government that sound air raid shelters should be preserved as far as possible. I am, however, always prepared to consider whether in individual cases there are compelling grounds for authorising removal.
§ Mr. HughesAs a general principle, does the right hon. Gentleman agree that in this nuclear age these contraptions are no longer shelters but, on the contrary, are dangerous because they harbour hostile germs which are a danger to the population? Will he take steps to have removed those that are left, for the reasons indicated in my Question?
§ Mr. MaclayNo, Sir. I could not agree with the first point in that supplementary question. Some shelter is better than none. Outside a devastated area these shelters could give useful protection against radioactive fall-out.