HC Deb 20 November 1940 vol 365 cc2001-2W
Mr. J. Hall

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of breaches of the black-out regulations on the railway systems; and will he take the necessary action to secure from the railway companies a similar observance of the regulations as that demanded from householders?

Mr. H. Morrison

In order to enable the railways to operate during the blackout arrangements have been made to permit lights necessary for working purposes subject to conditions agreed with the Air Ministry. The railway companies have issued the necessary instructions to their staffs to secure that these conditions are strictly complied with. Any breach of the conditions which is observed is at once brought to the notice of the company concerned.

Mr. Doland

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give instructions to all occupiers to black-out their homes and business premises before the official blackout time, when the alert is sounded in the late afternoon and the weather conditions are such as to necessitate this action?

Mr. Morrison

There is no evidence that raiders in the late afternoons or on dull clays have received assistance from the display of lights and no change is at present contemplated. The position is, however, being constantly watched and any modification of the regulations found advisable in the light of further experience would be promptly introduced.

Mr. Radford

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of James Lloyd, who, on the nth instant, was charged at Uxbridge for having a bonfire at Ruislip during a black-out, and when remonstrated with by air-raid wardens deliberately flashed a torch and, after being fined a sum of £25 and costs, gave the Nazi salute as he left the court; and will he consider having this individual put under restraint?

Mr. Peake

My right hon. Friend has called for a report on this case with a view to considering whether any further action is necessary.