HC Deb 04 December 1945 vol 416 cc2244-5W
Mr. Tolley

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power on whose instructions one of his inspectors went from shop to shop in Kidderminster ordering the shopkeepers to put out all lights in their windows and keep them out under threat of prosecution; and will he take steps to withdraw this regulation at once.

Mr. Shinwell

I am informed that about a fortnight ago an inspector belonging to the staff of the local fuel overseer for Kidderminster, having received complaints about the use of lighting in shop-windows, visited a number of shops in the course of his duties. The inspections were carried out in a reasonable manner, and the instructions that were given for the discontinuance of lighting were in accordance with the Regulations and the policy laid down by my Ministry. I am further informed that in none of the cases visited was prosecution threatened. I regret that the fuel situation does not at present justify relaxation of the restrictions on shopwindow lighting.

Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will relax the restrictions on the lighting of shop windows between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the seven days before Christmas in order to give some air of festivity to the first peacetime Christmas.

Flight-Lieutenant Beswick

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, in order to encourage the Christmas spirit, he will permit some relaxation of restrictions on shopwindow lighting for a short period prior to Christmas.

Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will allow shopkeepers to have more shop-window lighting for the Christmas shopping week and lift the restriction for this week during the hours of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Mr. Walkden

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, with a view to restoring a measure of traditional Christmas cheer, he will allow for one week only, the week before Christmas, a limited amount of shop window lighting between the hour of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Mr. Shinwell

I regret that the present fuel situation does not justify any relaxation of the restrictions on shop window lighting.