Neon Vs Radio: The 1939 Commons Debate

The Day Westminster Debated Static and Glow

It sounds bizarre today: while Europe braced for Hitler’s advance, the House of Commons was debating glowing shopfronts.

Mr. Gallacher, an MP with a sharp tongue, rose to challenge the government. Were neon installations scrambling the airwaves?

The figure was no joke: roughly one thousand cases logged in a single year.

Picture it: ordinary families huddled around a crackling set, desperate for dance music or speeches from the King, only to hear static and buzzing from the local cinema’s neon sign.

The Minister in charge didn’t deny it. The snag was this: the government had no legal power to force neon owners to fix it.

He promised consultations were underway, but admitted consultations would take "some time".

Translation? Parliament was stalling.

The MP wasn’t satisfied. He said listeners were getting a raw deal.

Another MP raised the stakes. What about the Central Electricity Board and their high-tension cables?

Tryon deflected, saying yes, cables were part of the mess, which only complicated things further.

---

Seen through modern eyes, it’s heritage comedy with a lesson. Neon was once painted as the noisy disruptor.

Eighty years on, the irony bites: London Neon Co. is the endangered craft fighting for survival, while plastic LED fakes flood the market.

---

Why does it matter?

First: neon has always rattled cages. From crashing radios to clashing with LED, it’s always been about authenticity vs convenience.

In 1939 it was seen as dangerous noise.

---

The Smithers View. We see the glow that wouldn’t be ignored.

So, yes, old is gold. And it still does.

---

Don’t settle for plastic impostors. Glass and gas are the original and the best.

If neon got MPs shouting in 1939, it deserves a place in your space today.

Choose craft.

You need it.

---