§ Mr. BROOKESasked the Home Secretary if he is now satisfied that all suitable and available shelters in the East End against air raid attacks are now at the disposal of the public; and whether, if this is not the case, he will take immediate steps to ensure that this is done?
§ Sir G. CAVEEvery effort has been made by the Commissioner of Police, with the assistance of the local authorities, to secure the maximum of suitable shelter in the East End. In the event of further suitable premises becoming available these would, if necessary, be added to the list.
§ Mr. BROOKESasked whether any official supervision is being exercised over the condition of air-raid shelters so as to guarantee their cleanliness and suitability; who is responsible for the provision of sanitary arrangements; and what steps are taken to avoid overcrowding?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe Commissioner of Police has specially invited the co-operation of the local authority, as public health authority, in each area, in making the necessary sanitary arrangements at air-raid shelters, and many authorities have responded. The police do their best to prevent overcrowding, but when the condition of the streets has become dangerous on the occasion of an air raid it is not possible to deny shelter to those seeking it, though the accommodation there available may be overstrained.
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§ Mr. BROOKESasked the Home Secretary whether he is now satisfied that the maximum is being done in regard to the public distribution of sandbags in the East End for the purpose of strengthening shelters against air-raid attacks?
§ Sir G. CAVEAn adequate supply of sandbags for the strengthening of public shelters has been placed by the Government at the disposal of local authorities free of cost, but not every local authority has taken advantage of the offer.