§ Mr. Barrasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Councillor N. Tiptaft, the air-raid precautions chairman 221W in Birmingham, has strongly complained about the permission given to drunken men to enter air-raid shelters, which have to be occupied largely by women and children; and whether his Department has devised any rule or restriction by which this can be obviated?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am aware of the incidents which gave rise to this complaint but, so far as I am aware, they are exceptional and I hope that the steps taken locally to prevent a repetition will prove sufficient. Any person who is guilty while drunk of riotous or disorderly behaviour in a public place may be apprehended and, on conviction, fined or, in the discretion of the court, sentenced to a term of imprisonment; and I understand that a public statement has been made on behalf of the city justices of their readiness in proper cases, to use their powers to the full.