HC Deb 14 March 1940 vol 358 cc1356-7
63. Mr. Cary

asked the Home Secretary what relaxation of the black-out restrictions will be permitted during the summer months for windows, skylights, etc., in private houses, shops, factories and other premises; and, further, whether he will approve a type of light for use within buildings which would be of negligible assistance to aircraft although detectable at ground level?

Sir J. Anderson

The black-out remains an essential part of our defences, and I could not hold out any hope of relaxation of the restrictions applicable to the interior lighting of premises of all kinds. As regards the last part of the Question, I know of no satisfactory form of general interior lighting which is invisible from the air if windows are not obscured.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is the Minister aware that we have a great ironworks in the heart of Glasgow and one just outside Glasgow which are blazing forth and lighting the heavens every night in the midst of the black-out?

Sir J. Anderson

It is recognised as a great disadvantage. Power was taken under the Civil Defence Act to deal with such cases, but they require structural alteration, and that takes time.

Mr. Kirkwood

Will the right hon. Gentleman carry out that Act in regard to this case? I can see the light when I am miles away outside Glasgow.

Colonel Sir Charles MacAndrew

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that in certain parts of Scotland although the black-out on the land is effective, there seems to be no regulation governing the ships in the harbours? I can give some instances where it is quite absurd to black-out places and have the ships all lit up.

Sir J. Anderson

That is a matter for another authority.