HC Deb 15 May 1919 vol 115 cc1747-8
28. Lieutenant-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Home Secretary whether the Defence of the Realm Act Regulation No. 1,655, as regards the size of head-lights on cars, can now be modified, in view of the fact that a five-inch light is insufficient for driving in the country on dark roads at twenty miles an hour; whether a new Regulation may be framed by which the glare of head-lights may be modified by shading the top of the light; and whether he is aware that the great majority of Government cars have head-lights far exceeding in diameter the five-inch Regulation, and that a very large number are unshaded, in contravention of the Defence of the Realm Act Order No. 1655?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I would point out that headlights exceeding 5 inches in diameter may be used (in addition to sidelights), provided they are shaded as required by the Order and do not exceed the prescribed limits of power. For reasons which my right hon. Friend has already explained, he does not see his way to withdraw the restrictions at present. If unshaded headlights exceeding 5 inches in diameter are used by persons driving in Government cars, it is for the police to take the necessary action.

Lieutenant-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

Does not the hon. Baronet think it is absolutely dangerous to drive on dark country roads with lights covered with tissue paper, as the Order, which is only a recent one, permits?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

I cannot speak as an expert on that, because the Home Office is one of the Departments not provided with a car.

Sir J. NORTON GRIFFITHS

May I suggest that the hon. Baronet should get one of the many motor cars hanging round the War Office? Will he look further into the matter, with a view to obtaining the advice of an expert to see whether or not it is dangerous to drive a heavy car with headlights covered with tissue paper on country roads?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

The whole matter is being considered so that the Regulations may be put on a permanent basis, and no doubt the questions raised will be considered.

Mr. REMER

Will the hon. Baronet also try to make Regulations to see that lights on carts are according to regulation, and that cases are properly brought before the authorities?

Sir H. GREENWOOD

If lights on carts are not according to the Regulations it is a matter for the police.