§ Mr. McEnteeasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the office of the Collector of Taxes, 2a-8a, High Street, Walthamstow, E.17, is still without an air-raid shelter, the only place of refuge being in the boiler-house, which cannot be used at the moment; that his Department announced in September last their intention of providing a permanent shelter immediately; and whether, in view of the fact that four months have now elapsed, he can state when work on the shelter will be commenced?
§ Mr. RamsbothamThe Collector of Taxes' staff, numbering 23, occupies the two upper floors of these leased premises. I regret that, owing to constructional difficulties, it has not yet been possible to provide a permanent air-raid shelter either on the premises or in neighbouring property, but every effort is being made in this congested shopping area to find a suitable site or building for a refuge. Pending the provision of a permanent604W shelter, the first floor of the office, which is a steel framed building, affords a temporary refuge with good overhead protection.