§ Sir. I. Alberyasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Strood Rural District Council completed a programme of air-raid shelters nearly 12 months ago but are still without the necessary bunks in spite of applications in writing made to the regional officers of the Ministry on six occasions from 14th March, 1941, to 30th April, 1942; and, as many householders in the belief that bunks would be available did not apply for Morrison or Anderson type shelters, will he ensure the supply of the necessary bunks without delay?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have made inquiries and am informed that the Strood Rural District Council were supplied with a number of public shelter bunks last summer. In December last they were asked to specify their further requirements of these bunks and it appeared from their reply that they needed only nine more. In April of this year, however, the council wrote to the Regional Commissioner's office for further supplies, but by this date the shortage of materials and labour had made it necessary to give priority to areas regarded as of greater vulnerability, and the council were informed that their application could not be considered until those for these other areas had been dealt with. I am still1392W in communication with the Regional Commissioner's office in the matter, and will let my hon. Friend know the result in due course.