HC Deb 30 July 1941 vol 373 cc1407-8
73. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether consideration is now being given, in consultation with the Royal Air Force, to the question of any modified system of lighting in the coming winter, bearing in mind the effect of a complete black-out on morale and public health and on production; and whether any improved plans are in contemplation for a more efficient ventilation of all industrial premises which are in use after dark?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Mr. Mabane)

The question of lighting is under constant review in consultation with the Royal Air Force, but there are at present no grounds for making any change in the systems and standards now in force and based on the experience of the past. Special attention has throughout been given to the requirements of production and undertakings of national importance. Ventilation in factories is a matter for the Factory Department of the Ministry of Labour and National Service rather than for me, but I am informed that defects in ventilation due to improvised blackout arrangements in the early days of the war have now been largely remedied.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Have any experiments been made in a system of modified lighting in this country, and has my hon. Friend seen a report from New York about a system of modified lighting which at the same time makes it impossible for the enemy to see any target from the air?

Mr. Mabane

Experiments in modified lighting have been made continuously, and very considerable alterations have been made in the standards both of street lighting and industrial lighting since the outbreak of war.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Is my hon. Friend aware that some time ago the Prime Minister promised us that next winter we should not be in gloom, and in order to enable the people of this country to be a little more grim and gay in the coming winter, will the Ministry allow us to have a little more light?

Mr. Mabane

If my hon. Friend saw the reports coming to the Department, he would see that people are more concerned that there should be no guides for enemy aircraft.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.