HC Deb 19 September 1940 vol 365 cc198-9
65. Mr. de Rothschild

asked the Minister of Transport whether it is proposed to issue definite instructions to civilians with regard to the type of camouflage which should be adopted for private motor cars?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. Montague)

The order provides that, as from 23rd September, no unauthorised person shall use a vehicle so painted, or otherwise treated, as to cause it to resemble a camouflaged vehicle in the service of the Armed Forces. My right hon. Friend has already issued general advice on what is to be avoided and what is permissible, and I do not think that there should be any doubt, but I take this opportunity of repeating that disruptive camouflage or jazz patterns should not be used and that matt surfaces in dark neutral shades, other than the greys and khaki adopted by the Services, are recommended.

Mr. de Rothschild

Is the hon. Member aware that the Ministry of Transport are perfectly useless to civilians? They are not giving civilians any indications whatever. The only indications given are negative; no help is given to the many motorists in this country who want to camouflage their vehicles to the best of their ability.

Mr. Montague

There is no desire at all to give specific orders in respect of this kind of camouflage. There is a recommendation in reference to matt surfaces, and that is all that is necessary and all that the Minister desires to do.

Mr. de Rothschild

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Ministry urged motorists to camouflage their vehicles, and some of them started to camouflage their vehicles in the military style, and that was stopped, and thereupon the Ministry of Transport issued these purely negative orders?

Mr. Thorne

Is there any possibility of preventing white vehicles running around? I can give an instance of what happened close to my house. A white vehicle was standing there, and a bomb dropped right opposite. That is a fact.

Mr. Montague

I think my answer covers that point, but I will look into that or any other point brought to my notice.

Mr. Loftus

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Mayor of Lowestoft has twice camouflaged his car and on each occasion subsequent orders have been issued condemning the methods?

Mr. Montague

My answer has reference only to Order 1496. It is the last order on the subject. I think my answer has been perfectly clear.

Mr. de Rothschild

It is not the answer that I require. It is not an answer to the Question I put. My Question asked whether it was proposed to issue definite instructions to civilians with regard to camouflaging cars, and the hon. Member has given us no directions at all.

Mr. Montague

I should think the hon. Member must realise the practical impossibility of giving precise instructions which would apply to every type of private car. We make recommendations. They are clear and explicit so far as they go. We have no desire to impose—beyond the restrictions in the order itself—any particular form of camouflage.