§ 18. Mr. TOUCHEasked the Home Secretary whether he has received a resolution, passed by the Islington borough council, on the subject of the darkening of London; if he has any information pointing to the effect of the darkening as a cause of street accidents; and in view of the public inconvenience, the loss to shopkeepers, and the perils of the streets, can he say whether any early relaxation of the darkening Order may be looked for, or is he informed that its indefinite continuance is desired by the military authorities?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have received the borough council's representation. I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that the police returns show no increase in the number of traffic accidents occurring by night. The regulations are made on the advice of the Admiralty, who are responsible for the defence of London against aerial attack. They have already been relaxed so as to allow lamps inside shop windows to remain brightly lighted till 6 p.m., and I shall be glad to relax them further as soon as the Admiralty advise me that this can safely be done.
§ 24. Mr. J. M. HENDERSONasked the Home Secretary the number of street accidents in London during October, 1914, as compared with those of October, 1913?
§ Mr. McKENNAIn the Metropolitan Police district, the number of street accidents known to the police was—
The returns for October, 1914, have not yet been fully analysed, and the figure may, therefore, be liable to correction.
During October, 1913 … … 5,093. During October, 1914 … … 4,597.