§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what proportion of available supplies of electricity are at present consumed by lighting of motorways, streets and other public external illuminations;
(2) what proportion of available supplies of electricity are at present consumed by floodlighting, display lighting, and on retail and other commercial premises;
(3) what proportion of available supplies of electricity are at present consumed by television receivers.
§ Mr. EmeryOf the units sold by electricity boards in England and Wales in 1972, the following proportions are estimated to have been consumed by these classes:
Public lighting. Less than 1 per cent.
Floodlighting, advertising and window display lighting. About 1 per cent.
Television receivers. About 1½ per cent.
Commercial use other than flood and display lighting (including public buildings, HM Forces and premises with combined domestic-commercial tariffs). 16 per cent.
§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will seek powers to enable him to ensure that adequate supplies of electricity are allocated to industry and essential services, without interruptions through rota cuts, by ordering the reduction of consumption for less essential purposes.
§ Mr. EmeryOrders have been made under the emergency regulations with effect from 15th November prohibiting the use of electricity for advertising or display purposes and for space heating in non-domestic premises. Although this will reduce the load on the supply system, there can be no guarantee that rota cuts may not be necessary if the situation deteriorates. If it should, it will not be possible because of the current EPEA292W dispute to ensure, except in a very small number of cases, that any consumers will receive uninterrupted supplies.