HC Deb 25 July 1944 vol 402 cc593-4
58. Major Vyvyan Adams

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now any statement to make with regard to the removal or modification of the black-out during the forthcoming longer nights, even though hostilities against Germany are prolonged into the winter.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Home Security (Miss Ellen Wilkinson)

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer which the Home Secretary gave on 6th July to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hornsey (Captain Gammans).

Major Adams

Does my hon. Friend imagine that that answer will be of very much value? May I ask why the Department is so long in deciding to relax a Regulation which is not only morally depressing but is now of very doubtful strategic value?

Miss Wilkinson

On the first part of the question, all my right hon. Friend's answers are of the greatest value. On the second part of the question, the matter, as my right hon. Friend replied, is under his active consideration.

Mr. Higgs

But is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that if the black-out in factories could be reduced by one and a half to two hours a day, in the darkest days of the year, a large number of factories, working only on day shift, need not be blacked out at all?

Miss Wilkinson

I can only remind my hon. Friend that the Supply Ministries, who know the position very well, have not in fact used the relaxations of the black-out that are allowed by the Home Office.

Major Adams

May I ask my hon. Friend to answer this Question seriously? On what advice do she and her right hon. Friend found their indecision?

Miss Wilkinson

On the advice of our advisers, and on the many channels of information which are open to Ministers of the Crown.