HC Deb 27 November 1941 vol 376 cc885-6
54. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the advisability of having all outside lights extinguished during an alert period; whether he is satisfied with the present state of the black-out, and particularly with the powerful motor-car lights allowed; have the Air Ministry been recently consulted about the black-out and the effect of motor-car lights; and are they satisfied with the present position?

Mr. H. Morrison

Yes, Sir, but the importance of eliminating all light that might assist enemy raiders must be balanced against the importance of road safety and of the continuance after dark of the essential industries and services, and I am satisfied that the black-out meets present requirements. As I have previously stated, the whole question is subject to constant review in the light of changing conditions, and no relaxation is introduced without the expert advice of the Air Staff, with whom my Department is in constant touch.

Mr. Smith

Have the Air Ministry recently made surveys over the large industrial areas, and, if so, what reports have been made about the new light allowed on motor cars?

Mr. Morrison

I think that perhaps that Question also should be addressed to the Secretary of State for Air. The Air Ministry do keep observations on lighting, but no report on the point has come to me. I will keep the point in mind.

Mr. Thorne

Do the Ministry go round to see the managements of factories and shopkeepers about the black-out?

Mr. Morrison

It is a matter for the police if breaches of the black-out regulations are involved. It is possible that the appropriate section of my Department does give assistance to industry in that respect.

Sir William Davison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the number of motor cars on the road with really streaming, enormous headlights? Instead of trapping roads at 11 or 12 o'clock, when they are almost empty, the police would be much better occupied stopping those people with blazing lights soon after sundown.

Mr. Morrison

The police do keep observation. I think possibly it all depends on the angle from which you look at a light. You may get a good deal of dazzle when you are looking at it on the level, but it does not follow that you get dazzle above.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

Does my right hon. Friend realise it is a widely-held opinion that during the past few months motor-car headlights have definitely increased in power?

Mr. Morrison

The Regulations have enabled an additional headlamp to be used, but there is no authority to increase the power. I will, however, look into that point.

Colonel Colville

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information that accidents have been reduced at all as a result of this increased lighting?

Mr. Morrison

I am afraid I cannot say.