§ 41. Sir J. LONSDALEasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that at Sunderland a marine engineer has been fined £5 for having in his possession a lamp capable of being used for signalling; and if it is 255 intended to place any restrictions upon the sale to the public of signalling apparatus and lamps?
§ Sir J. SIMONMy attention had not previously been drawn to this case, but I have made inquiry and find that the defendant was convicted under Regulation 26 of the Defence of the Realm (Consolidation) Regulations, which provides that no person shall, without the permission of the competent naval or military authority, or some person authorised by him, display any light in such a manner as could serve as a signal, guide or landmark. As regards the second part of the question, the possession, without lawful authority, of any apparatus intended for signalling is already prohibited by Regulation 25.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some of the large shops in England these signal lamps are not only advertised but exposed for sale in the windows?
§ Sir J. SIMONI shall be very glad if the hon. Gentleman will give me a private reference to a case.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEI will.