§ 38. Mr. Leonardasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the recent decision of Mr. Justice Cassels affecting the lighting of street obstructions, including those erected for air-raid precaution purposes; and what steps he proposes to take to enforce the lighting of these obstructions?
§ Sir J. AndersonI have seen a short report of a recent judicial decision in a case where a taxi-cab collided with an un-lighted street refuge. This occurred on the first night of the "black-out" and presumably, therefore, before the local authorities had had time to make complete arrangements for lighting refuges as permitted by the Lighting Orders. The responsibility for taking measures where necessary to indicate the presence of obstructions placed by a local authority on a road rests upon that authority, and I have no reason to suppose that local authorities are not fully aware of their responsibiliity in the matter.
§ Mr. LeonardHas the right hon. Gentleman informed local authorities of their duty in this matter?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, that has been made clear.
§ Mr. BuchananIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Glasgow where there is tenement property, there are ob- 880 structions on the streets without any lighting, and will he call the attention of the authorities to them and have something done about it?
§ Sir J. AndersonI will certainly inquire into that, but in the case of obstructions on the pavement close to the walls and buildings, it has been found that the object desired is obtained by the use of white paint.
§ Mr. BuchananThese obstructions are in the middle of the pavement and they cause inconvenience in working-class districts which are densely populated?
§ Sir J. AndersonThe hon. Member is referring to closes, and I will make inquiries.