HC Deb 26 September 1939 vol 351 cc1196-7
68. Major Milner

asked the Home Secretary what steps have been taken by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to ensure compliance by Government Departments, and the War Office in particular, with the lighting regulations; and why, having regard to the repeated complaints of his officers and the fact that legal proceedings are being generally taken against the public for similar offences no such proceedings have been taken against the responsible authorities of the War Office?

Sir J. Anderson

Every possible step has been taken to impress upon the occupants of rooms in Government offices the importance of seeing that the special blinds which have been provided are drawn, before sunset, in such a way as to prevent any light from showing on the outside. As regards prosecutions, it is the practice of the Commissioner of Police to institute proceedings in cases where the Lighting (Restrictions) Order is deliberately or repeatedly infringed after warning has been given; but the infringements which have occurred in Government Departments have not been of this character.

Major Milner

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many warnings have been given to the War Office, and why there should be any differentiation as regards Government Departments?

Sir J. Anderson

There is no differentiation.

Major Milner

How many warnings have been given by the Metropolitan Police to the War Office?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not think it is left to the Metropolitan Police to give warnings to the War Office.

Major Milner

Have any warnings been given to the War Office?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not know of any warnings that have been given by the Metropolitan Police.

Colonel Nathan

Will the right hon. Gentleman walk round the Horse Guards Parade and look at the Government offices with a view of ascertaining whether it is not the fact that practically every Government office on the Horse Guards Parade shows lights, which in the case of private individuals would involve a prosecution?

Sir J. Anderson

Inquiries and representations have been made to the Departments concerned.