HC Deb 08 October 1940 vol 365 c267W
Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

asked the Home Secretary whether he will now seek powers to compel hotels and boarding-houses to take elementary safety precautions against enemy air attacks, observing that in many cases air raid shelters, fire appliances, and sand buckets are not provided, and the representations of residents ignored?

Mr. H. Morrison

Local authorities already have power to provide, with the assistance of Government grant, air-raid shelters for persons eligible for free shelter who are living in boarding-houses and similar establishments. As regards establishments accommodating persons not eligible for free shelter, there are difficulties, but I will certainly consider whether any action can be taken to improve the present position.