§ Miss Wilkinsonasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the fact that the cost of steel in Britain is still well above the world price, he has made or proposes to make any special arrangements with the iron and steel firms by which the British Government has not to pay a price for the steel air-raid shelters on a high profit-bearing basis?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir, Special arrangements have been made with a view to meeting the point which the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. McEnteeasked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is intended that boroughs, other than county boroughs, shall be responsible for the setting up of air-raid precautions committees to administer their own area, or are such boroughs to continue to be controlled by the county council committee in whose area they are?
§ Sir J. AndersonUnder the Air-Raid Precautions Act the duty of preparing general precautions schemes within an administrative county rests in the first instance with the county council.
In the circular of 26th January last I have indicated that no substantial amendment of the Act affecting the duties of local authorities is proposed. At the same time I have emphasised the important part which local authorities within a county have to play and I have stressed the need for taking them fully into consultation and for assigning to them specific responsibilities and functions. When boroughs or urban districts apply under the terms of the Act for power to 757W make a separate scheme, their applications will be fully considered; but I have indicated in the circular that I propose to continue the practice of requiring a special case to be made by reference to the distinctive characteristics of the area.