HC Deb 30 May 1956 vol 553 cc219-20
14. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will now alter lighting-up time in the summer to half-an-hour instead of one hour after sunset.

Mr. Watkinson

I have this matter under consideration.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Is my right hon. Friend aware that lighting-up time today is five minutes after 10 p.m. and that if he is in the Chamber at that time, as I expect he will be, and if he will look out of the window, he will see that it is dead dark? Is this not rather dangerous? Ought not lighting-up time to be brought back to half-an-hour before sunset?

Mr. Watkinson

I think that the suggestion contained in the Question is well worthy of serious consideration, and I am giving that consideration to it.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will not the right hon. Gentleman ask motorists when visibility is bad even in so-called hours of daylight to switch on their lights?

Mr. Watkinson

I gave an answer to a similar Question a few days ago, and it is also in the Highway Code.