HC Deb 16 November 1939 vol 353 c806
25. Sir Harold Webbe

asked the Home Secretary when he expects to be able to announce his decision as to the modification of street-lighting; and, if his experiments in that connection are not yet satisfactorily completed, will he, in view of the imminence of the Christmas shopping season, consider as an alternative, granting permission for shop-window lighting limited in amount and as to distance from the shop front, and so screened as to prevent any direct light falling on the pavements?

Sir J. Anderson

Experiments with street lighting are being vigorously conducted under the direction of my Department, but I am not yet in a position to state whether a form of modified street lighting is practicable which fulfils the two necessary conditions, that it is of some value to pedestrians and to traffic but does not increase the danger of visibility from the air. As regards shop-window lighting, special experiments are being made for the purpose indicated by my hon. Friend, and I hope that it may be possible to make some concession on the lines indicated in the question.

Mr. Thorne

Has the right hon. Gentleman's Department reached any conclusion in connection with the new method in Liverpool?

Sir J. Anderson

Yes, Sir, that method has been investigated, and further researches are being made. It appears to be very similar to experiments that have already been conducted in London, in the Edgware Road, and we are pursuing that matter further.