HC Deb 03 December 1942 vol 385 cc1282-3
28. Mr. Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the cases of assault on peaceful citizens in the streets after dark which have taken place in London, he will consider aiding the police by a modification of the street lighting arrangements, thereby making detection easier?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

No, Sir. As I stated in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Southend-on-Sea (Mr. Channon), on 19th November, the increase in the number of cases of assault in the blackout is not such as to cause alarm or to justify an increase in street lighting at the present time.

Mr. Price

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the present state of street lighting does make it extremely difficult for officers of the law to deal with cases like this, although the number of cases may not be on the increase?

Mr. Morrison

I can only say that I have consulted the Commissioner of Police and that he does not confirm the view that there is great difficulty.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it possible for my right hon. Friend to give us any information as to the increase in the number of such assaults?

Mr. Morrison

I have already done so, and there is certainly nothing dramatic about it. I think that having regard to war conditions the state of public order constitutes a great tribute to our people.

Sir H. Williams

Can my right hon. Friend say how many bombs did not hit London because of the blackout?