§ 74. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state his present plans for dealing with air-raid shelters in Scotland; if he is aware that many of them are a danger to health and morals, that they take up what might be useful space in small gardens and deprive occupiers of drying greens, and that many occupiers desire to use or adapt them for use as workshops, store rooms and other purposes; and if he will, when requested, give permission for such use and adaptation.
§ Mr. J. S. MaclayIt is the policy of the Government to preserve sound air-raid shelters unless there are compelling grounds for removing them; and the Civil Defence (Shelters) (Maintenance) (Scotland) Regulations, 1956, make it a function of local authorities to maintain them. I am always prepared to consider whether in particular cases—because of the effects on health or amenity or for other reasons —such grounds exist and to consider giving permission for a shelter to be used for other purposes where the alterations are of such a minor character that the structure could readily be restored at short notice.