HC Deb 26 September 1939 vol 351 cc1219-20W
Mr. De Chair

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that many engineering works, such as Amos Barber, Limited, of Downham Market, Norfolk, have manufactured head-lamp hoods and other car black-out equipment in conformity with the original specifications, and that the alteration of these specifications means that they have large stocks on their hands which cannot be sold; and whether they will be allowed to enter any claim for compensation?

Sir J. Anderson

As my hon. Friend is aware, it was found desirable to relax the restrictions originally applied to headlamps, in order to permit traffic, to move with greater safety. In these circumstances, it is, I am afraid, inevitable that firms who had undertaken as a commercial enterprise the manufacture of the head-lamp mask originally recommended should find themselves with some stocks on hand of which they cannot dispose; but I am not aware of any circumstances which would justify the treatment of any resulting loss as other than an ordinary commercial hazard.