§ Mr. E. Smithasked the Home Secretary whether, when a works air-raid shelter has been damaged or destroyed by enemy action, it is the duty of the employer to provide adequate shelter at once; has the cost of same to be met by the employer or does the State meet any of the cost; and can a statement be made in order to make this matter clear?
§ Miss WilkinsonIf a works air-raid shelter is damaged or destroyed by enemy action but more than 50 people continue to be employed at the works, the provisions"of the Civil Defence Act, which make it the duty of the occupier to provide shelter, continue to apply, and he should repair or replace the shelter as soon as possible. Section 22 of the Act, which provided for the payment of grants from public funds in respect of the provision of private shelters, is limited to the initial provision of shelter, but the occupier will have the benefit of the provisions of the War Damage Act.
§ Mr. Smithasked the Home Secretary what is being done to raise the standard of air-raid shelters throughout the country to that of London; and what action has been taken on the report for dealing with the drainage of Anderson shelters?
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§ Miss WilkinsonWide check inspections through the various regions are being carried through at the present time on the general conditions of shelter construction. Further powers have been given to local authorities to improve their shelters and increase safety. Special attention is being paid to those areas likely to be subject to intensive bombing. As regards the second part of the Question, revised instructions have now been settled on the basis of the expert's report, and will be issued as soon as they can be printed.