HC Deb 08 November 1944 vol 404 cc1367-9
73. Mr. Summers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will re-state the recent changes in the restrictions concerning the black-out in order to dispel the widespread ignorance on the subject and to enable people in the streets of London and other towns to benefit from the additional light from houses which should result therefrom.

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

I am not aware of any widespread doubt of the nature and extent of the recent ohanges in the lighting regulations, which were given full publicity on their introduction,. The "half-light" or "dim out" relaxation for houses is in force throughout the country except for a few coastal districts.

Mr. Summers

Has the Minister detected any improvement in the lighting of the streets, apart from the advantage which would follow from the lights in the houses?

Mr. H. Morrison

I am sorry, but I could not hear the question.

Commander Agnew

Is the Minister aware that, in Cornwall, there are a great many districts, other than coastal districts, which are still subject to the grim severity of the black-out; and will he review the position in that county and see if he can make some concession in the very near future?

Mr. Morrison

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend would communicate with me on that point. It would not be desirable that we should mention particular areas which may be subject to continued restrictions, but if he will communicate with me I will look into it.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Does not my right hon. Friend feel that there is a lack of understanding on the part of local authorities and other undertakings in London of what he wants done to bring a little more cheer, light and comfort to London this winter? Has he got enthusiastic support from the local authorities or is he satisfied with the work of the local authorities at the present time in carrying out what he has suggested?

Mr. Morrison

This has nothing to do with the local authorities at all.

Mr. Walkden

Why not?

Mr. Morrison

The local authorities have no jurisdiction. It is purely a matter for the ordinary citizen. It is John Citizen who is concerned. I patiently and carefully explained what he could do, and John Citizen came to his own conclusion.

Mr. Walkden

Cannot street lighting be what is called "dimmed out" instead of blacked out?

Mr. Morrison

The subject with which we are dealing is domestic lighting.

Mr. Higgs

Will the Home Secretary agree to review the Order which compels factories to black-out and means that the workers are working in artificial light all day long?

Mr. Morrison

We have given them a measure of discretion.

Mr. Higgs

Not at all.

Mr. Morrison

I beg the hon. Member's pardon. We have given discretion to get rid of permanent black-out. Whether there is something particularly static about Birmingham I do not know, but I should hope that that would not be the case in that city.

Sir Percy Harris

Is it not commonsense, while danger from air attack is not completely over, to take the Minister's advice as the wisest thing in all the circumstances?

Mr. Morrison

I think so, Sir. There is no finality about the business. We shall continue to review the matter from day to day and—who knows?—some better news might come along presently—or sooner or later.