28. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the Government will now remove the ban on shop-window lighting altogether, in view of the fact that this lighting is only required after nightfall when the peak period load would not be affected.
§ Mr. GaitskellThere can be no question of permitting display lighting during the peak load period, part of which occurs after nightfall during much of the Winter. Moreover a relaxation of the restriction even if confined to off-peak hours would involve additional coal consumption which cannot be considered until at least the end of the Winter.
Mr. De la BèreWhat really convincing evidence is there that a continuation of this ban is really necessary; are the 520 people of this country to live in perpetual gloom and austerity because we have a Government like this?
§ Mr. GaitskellI am sorry that the hon. Member should be so distressed about this restriction but before we lift it we must consider first whether we have sufficient coal.