HC Deb 11 October 1939 vol 352 cc316-8
27. Sir Ralph Glyn

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that it is mainly because of lack of visibility that efficient railway working for both goods and passenger traffic is impossible and considerable demurrage accrues on wagons in goods yards, docks., and sidings, over and above which the risks to railwaymen engaged in shunting yards and elsewhere are considerably increased; and whether he is now in a position to make a statement, after consultation with the Minister of Home Security and the Secretary of State for Air, that improved lighting facilities will forthwith be made available for railway working on the understanding that all such lighting is capable of immediate extinction on the first warning of an air-raid?

29. Mr. Lyons

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in co-operation with the main-line railway companies, it has been found possible to increase the present lighting arrangements without prejudice to the interests of national safety?

Captain Wallace

The whole question of the effects of lighting restrictions on the working of the railways is at present receiving my close attention, in conjunction with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Air and the Minister of Home Security. Experiments are proceeding as rapidly as possible, but recent weather conditions have caused some delay, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject. My hon. Friends will realise that it is necessary to determine whether the best results possible are being achieved within the scope of the standards of lighting at present allowed, as well as to consider whether any improvements in excess of those standards can, with proper safeguards, be permitted.

Sir R. Glyn

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend think that if a question is put down in a week's time he can give an answer?

Captain Wallace

I hope so.

Sir Herbert Williams

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend made any contrast between the lights in the London buses and those not permitted on the railways?

Mr. E. Smith

Has the Minister considered representations made to him by the representatives of the drivers and firemen, and, if not, will he receive a deputation?

Captain Wallace

I am always very glad to receive representations from any hon. Member.

Mr. Silverman

Why is it more difficult to prevent light from a railway carriage being seen outside than to prevent much the same amount of light inside a room from being seen outside? Why is it not possible to protect windows with light obscurers, so as to permit proper light being provided inside without being seen outside?

Captain Wallace

That is one of the things which are being carefully investigated.

Mr. Thorne

Will the Minister be good enough to make an inquiry about the unsatisfactory lights on railway stations?

Captain Wallace

Yes, Sir, certainly.