§ 31. Mrs. Cullenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to remove the surface air-raid shelters in the City of Glasgow.
§ Mr. MaclayIt remains the policy of the Government to preserve sound airraid shelters so far as possible. I am, however, always prepared to consider whether in individual cases there are compelling grounds for removal.
§ Mrs. CullenDoes the Secretary of State really believe that these shelters are of any use at all or ever were of any use? Back courts are cluttered up with them, people cannot get their washing out, and the shelters are used for all sorts of purposes. I am sure that if we had another war they would be of no earthly use at all.
§ Mr. MaclayI do not think it would be sensible to get rid of something that would give a degree of protection in the event of another war.
§ Mr. HannanWill the right hon. Gentleman stop pretending to the House, an assembly of sensible men and women? Is he not aware that his predecessor indicated some years ago that he would consider these things? If these are just obsolete anachronisms in the nuclear age, will he not take a decision to dispense with them at the earliest possible moment?
§ Mr. MaclayI really do not think that it would be sensible to dispense with them all at once, but I always have said that I will consider in any individual case whether there are grounds for removal.