HC Deb 25 November 1942 vol 385 c703
23. Sir Stanley Reed

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether a decision has been reached as to the removal of traffic beacons especially those which, having lost their globes, are a double menace to pedestrians during blackout hours?

Mr. Noel-Baker

As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings explained in answer to Questions on 3rd February and 7th October last, the total amount of iron which could be obtained by removing the beacons is only about 1,000 tons, and it would be comparatively costly to collect. For this reason it is not at present proposed to remove them.

Sir S. Reed

Will the hon. Gentleman consider that this is not merely a question of the recovery of a certain amount of scrap but a serious menace to pedestrians in the blackout?

Mr. Noel-Baiter

I have great sympathy with that aspect of the matter, but there is a great shortage of labour, and it would require a lot to get these beacons out of the streets.

Sir Joseph Lamb

But is it fair that garden gates should be taken while these are left, even if the total amount involved is only 1,000 tons?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Gates are very much easier to remove.