§ 41. Major Stourtonasked the Home Secretary whether in view of the adverse effect upon public morale created thereby, he contemplates taking steps to modify black-out restrictions?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonNo one likes the black-out for its own sake, but I am sure that any relaxation believed by the public to assist enemy aircraft in finding their targets would be more damaging to public morale than any discomforts arising from existing safeguards. It has been the policy of the Government to keep the position under constant review in order to ensure that the restrictions are not greater than is necessary and are devised with the object of causing the minimum amount of inconvenience to the public. A fresh examination has recently been concluded and certain relaxations have been announced. These represent the limit to which it has been judged practicable to go in present circumstances.
§ Major StourtonWhen will the new modified Regulations become operative?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe Government's decisions have already been announced. The speed with which they can be operated must depend upon certain practical considerations with which the railway companies are faced, but I know the Minister of War Transport will go ahead as quickly as possible.
§ Major StourtonWhat about the Regulations concerning car lights?
§ Mr. StephenWhen were these changes announced?
§ Mr. MorrisonThere was a Question on the Order Paper last week which I was ready to answer, but it was not put, and the announcement was made in the Press that day. With regard to the other matter raised by my hon. and gallant Friend, I cannot recall the point about car lights. Perhaps he will communicate with me.
Viscountess AstorCould my right hon. Friend make his answers a little more brotherly and a little more brief?
§ Mr. FrankelCould the noble lady be bit more sisterly?