HC Deb 24 January 1940 vol 356 cc603-4W
Mr. McEntee

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that the office of the Collector of Taxes, 2a-8a, High Street, Walthamstow, E.17, is still without an air-raid shelter, the only place of refuge being in the boiler-house, which cannot be used at the moment; that his Department announced in September last their intention of providing a permanent shelter immediately; and whether, in view of the fact that four months have now elapsed, he can state when work on the shelter will be commenced?

Mr. Ramsbotham

The Collector of Taxes' staff, numbering 23, occupies the two upper floors of these leased premises. I regret that, owing to constructional difficulties, it has not yet been possible to provide a permanent air-raid shelter either on the premises or in neighbouring property, but every effort is being made in this congested shopping area to find a suitable site or building for a refuge. Pending the provision of a permanent shelter, the first floor of the office, which is a steel framed building, affords a temporary refuge with good overhead protection.