§ Mr. Dobbieasked the Home Secretary how many free Anderson shelters the people of Rotherham and York are, respectively, entitled to; how many have been delivered in each place; what method of delivery was adopted; and whether he can give any information as to when delivery may be expected to complete the plan?
1500W
§ Sir J. AndersonThe particulars desired have been communicated to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Macquistenaskd the Home Secretary whether he is aware that local authorities are designing premises as public air-raid shelters under the powers conferred on them by Regulation 23 of the Emergency Powers Defence Regulations instead of under Sections 2 and 3 of Part II of the Civil Defence Act, with the result that the owner has no right of appeal; and whether he will consider ensuring that such owners should not be deprived of all right of appeal in this matter?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir. The procedure under Part II of the Civil Defence Act was designed for peace-time, and on the outbreak of war it was thought necessary that local authorities should be given further discretionary powers to ensure that the most immediate use could be made of available buildings which would offer a satisfactory measure of protection. The possibility of making some provision for appeal will be borne in mind, but in present circumstances I should be reluctant to introduce any new procedure which might delay the work of local authorities in providing public shelters where they are urgently required.
§ Mr. Macquistenasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain local authorities have designated the basements of chemists' shops as public air-raid shelters; and whether, as the public will run a considerable additional risk in being directed and going to premises stored with dangerous drugs and corrosives, he will, in the public interest, direct that shelters should not be designated in such places?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, Sir. The question whether such premises are suitable for use as public air-raid shelters must depend on the circumstances of the particular case, and I do not think it would be wise to seek to lay down any general rule in this matter. I have no 'doubt that local authorities take into account the extent to which the presence of stores of the kind mentioned by my hon. and learned Friend may reduce the potential use of premises for shelter purposes, and I understand that, as it has become possible for them to bring alternative arrangements into effect, local authorities have 1501W in a number of cases cancelled the designation of chemists' shops for this purpose.