HC Deb 14 November 1957 vol 577 cc69-70W
Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is yet able to give a general directive to local authorities advocating the demolition of old brick air-raid shelters; and what are the reasons for his decision.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Such shelters would give protection outside the area of complete devastation from a hydrogen bomb and I am therefore not prepared to authorise demolition except in individual cases where there are compelling grounds, such as that a particular shelter is structurally unsound, or its removal is essential for medical reasons or it obstructs road traffic or approved building development.