asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that substantially increased prices are being charged for materials necessary for the black-out of houses; and whether he will take steps to prevent profiteering in these materials?

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 15th September in reply to questions by the hon. and gallant Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge) and the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, East (Mr. Mander). I shall be glad to consider the cases to which the hon. Member refers, if he will let me have details.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the numerous accidents due to the total black-out, he will consider altering the present system to that in vogue during the last Great War?

Comparisons based on the conditions of the last war are not valid in view of the altered strategic conditions of to-day; and, for the reasons given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the 13th September, I could not support any radical alteration of the present policy. While it must be recognised that black-out conditions call for the exercise of great care by pedestrians and drivers of vehicles, the more extended provision of aids to movement and the instructions recently issued regarding the use of headlights and hand torches will, I trust, progressively reduce the dangers to persons who have to use the roads after dark.