§ Captain Stricklandasked the Home Secretary what remuneration it is proposed to allow to local authorities undertaking the distribution of and the collection of payment for steel air-raid shelters; and whether he will consider placing the disposal of these shelters in the hands of co-operative and other traders instead of encouraging unrated municipal competition?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe circular which has been issued to local authorities in the areas in which the first sales of shelters are being made informs them that reimbursement of their expenses incurred in connection with the sales will be made, at their option, either by payment of the full amount of the approved additional expenditure or at a uniform rate of 5s. per shelter in the case of cash sales and 15s. per shelter in cases where payment is made by instalments. As regards the latter part of the question, the local424W authorities are merely acting as agents for the Government in this matter and there is, therefore, no question of municipal competition.
§ Mr. Stokesasked the Home Secretary when the hon. Member for Ipswich may expect to receive a reply to his letter of 12th October concerning the exorbitant prices being paid for angle-irons for steel shelters?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe letter of the 12th October to which the hon. Member refers was in reply to a letter from me dated the 18th August. A further letter was sent to the hon. Member yesterday.