§ Mr. Lyonsasked the Home Secretary whether he can now make any further statement as to the use of certain tube railway stations as additional air-raid shelters in emergency conditions?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonSo far as is consistent with public safety and with the overriding necessity of maintaining the essential transport facilities provided by the London Underground system, the public are now allowed to use tube stations at night for shelter purposes. The amount of accommodation available must, however, be limited by the paramount need to preserve the tubes as a means of transport for the workers.
§ Captain Ellistonasked the Home Secretary whether it is intended to appoint to the committee now investigating public health considerations in reference to air-raid precautions shelters one or more municipal officials with practical experience of the provision, maintenance and supervision of such shelters?
§ Mr. MorrisonAs the House will be aware, a committee has already been appointed, under the chairmanship of Lord Horder, to keep these matters under review. The committee consulted a number of local government officials, in 265W the course of their first inquiries, and I have no doubt that in their further inquiries, which are proceeding, they will continue to do so.
§ Mr. Daggarasked the Home Secretary whether he has considered a resolution from the Swail Griffin Lodge, Six Bells, Monmouthshire, of the South Wales Miners' Federation, regarding the construction of deep bomb-proof shelters in the vulnerable areas; and what answer he proposes to give.
§ Mr. MorrisonI have considered the resolution to which my hon. Friend refers. Any proposal for adequate shelters which can be constructed rapidly and with due regard to the availability of materials, etc., will always receive my sympathetic consideration.