§ Mr. Burkeasked the Home Secretary how many local authorities have taken advantage of the permission given to them to erect one Anderson shelter to be shared by two or more households; and whether he will draw the attention of local authorities again to the economy which may be effected under this permission?
§ Sir J. AndersonIt would not be possible without elaborate inquiries to give the information for which the hon. Member asks. As I informed him in reply to his Question of 22nd February, a considerable number of local authorities are known to be carrying out the recommendation. It will be appreciated that the scope for its effective application is restricted to those cases where, in adjoining households, there are less than six persons in all; and that, if a strong preference were shown by the householders for shelters which would be immediately accessible and at their exclusive disposal, the local authority might feel justified in respecting that preference. I doubt whether there is need for a further communication to local authorities generally, but if the hon. Member is aware of any case where the recommendation is being ignored, I shall be glad to pursue the matter.