§ 13. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Home Secretary whether he will cause such instructions to be given to the Metropolitan police as will ensure the darkening of windows in hotels and private houses at the West End of London; whether he is aware that in many houses in Mayfair windows in the top storeys are not properly shaded; that bright gleams of light can be seen a long distance away; and that in many instances only small fines are imposed when owners are convicted of not shading their windows properly; and can he see his way to make £5 a minimum fine in any case where the owner has been warned by the police?
Mr. SAMUELThe police already have full instructions dealing with this matter, and do their best to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Order, proceedings being 'taken against offenders in many cases. There were no less than 2,300 cases last month in London. I have no reason to question the discretion exercised by the Courts in dealing with the cases brought before them, and it would not, in my opinion, be justifiable to limit the range of penalties which may be imposed as suggested in the last part of the question.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman pay special attention to the question of upper story windows? Is it not a fact that some of them are left without any blinds whatsoever, and certainly without darkened blinds? If he will allow me I will introduce him to several such windows.
Mr. SAMUELI shall be glad to transmit to the police any information which the hon. Member can supply to me.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEI have already done that.