asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give further consideration to the pulling down of surface air raid shelters in the county borough of West Hartlepool, in view of the fact that they are detrimental to the sanitary condition of the houses which many of them adjoin.

While I cannot agree to any general removal of existing shelters, I am ready to approve demolition in cases where the medical officer of health certifies that removal is essential on health grounds. In several such cases I have already approved the demolition of domestic shelters in West Hartlepool, and I will consider the further cases which my hon. Friend has brought to my notice.