§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government, whether, in view of the urgent need for economy in the use of electricity, they will take steps to prohibit until further notice the practice of illuminating shop windows for long periods of time after the shops themselves have been closed to customers.]
1131§ LORD CHORLEYMy Lords, it cannot be too clearly stated that it is an offence against the law to use fuel for advertisement purposes. The offence is aggravated if committed after premises are closed for business, and prosecution of the offenders will ensue in appropriate cases. In some premises a small amount of lighting is approved for security purposes to assist the police in their duties, and this lighting may, to a certain extent, illuminate some of the goods in a shop. Where, however, it approaches the stage of advertisement lighting, say in or near the shop window, suitable action is taken by the police.
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, may I, as a supplementary question, ask the noble Lord if, seeing that the police have these powers under existing conditions, he can say why all over London, at the present time, there are shops full of goods which are fully lighted up until midnight?
§ LORD CHORLEYI understand that in a number of cases proceedings have been taken but, as the noble Marquess knows, great difficulties exist at the moment in enforcing the law in various respects owing to the understaffing of the police force. If the noble Marquess will bring to their attention any particular instances which he has in mind, I have no doubt that suitable action will be taken.