Mrs. Adamsonasked the Home Secretary what representations he has received from local authorities for the distribution of free air-raid shelters to all householders in vulnerable areas; and whether the matter is still under consideration?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe policy of the Government is that in the more exposed areas all householders within a certain income limit should be provided with shelter at their homes free of cost, and I have received no representations from local authorities which suggest that this is regarded by them as insufficient. I have also announced recently a scheme whereby householders in such areas who are not eligible for the free provision of shelter may, through their local authorities, obtain standard steel shelters by purchase. This scheme, which is now operative only in certain areas, will be progressively extended to other areas as supplies permit.
§ Captain Hammersleyasked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce legislation to compel, subject to necessary safeguards, persons having control of the garden to grant other occupiers in the same dwelling the right to erect and have access to a garden shelter, or what alternative steps he proposes to take to enable the tenant of an upstairs' flat, who is eligible for the free issue of a Government steel shelter, to erect the shelter when the terms of his tenancy make no provision for the use of the garden attached to the dwelling?
§ Sir J. AndersonI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 2nd November to a similar question by the hon. Member for Willesden, West (Mr. Viant).