§ Mr. John H. Osbornasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the extent to which, following measures taken after the 1973 energy crisis, the use of outside illuminations, speed limits for vehicles, and broadcasting hours are currently subject to statutory regulations, as against a voluntary code; and if he will indicate how the position has changed since 1973.
§ Dr. John CunninghamNone of these items is currently subject to statutory regulations for fuel conservation purposes. Changes in the position since 1973 are described below:
Outside illuminations
304WAn order prohibiting the use of electricity for advertising and display lighting was made initially under Emergency Regulations on 15th November 1973. Subsequently, on 13th December 1973, this order was renewed under the Fuel and Electricity (Control) Act 1973. It was revoked on 24th March 1974.An order prohibiting the use of electricity for advertising in the hours of daylight was introduced on 13th January 1975 under the Fuel and Electricity (Control) Act 1973. This order lapsed on 30th November 1976.Speed limits
An order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1967, as extended by the Fuel Control (Modification of Enactments) (Speed Limits) Order 1973, imposing a 50 mph limit on all roads came into force on 8th December 1973.The 70 mph speed limit on motorways was restored by regulations on 29th March 1974, The 50 mph speed limit on other roads was removed on 9th May 1974.A further order under the above powers imposing a 60 mph speed limit on dual carriageways and a 50 mph on single carriageways came into force on 15th December 1974. These limits remained until 1st June 1977 when the present limits of 70 mph on dual carriageways and 60 mph on single carriageways were introduced after national consultation. The Fuel Control (Modification of Enactments) (Speed Limits) Order 1973 has since been revoked.Broadcasting hours
Restrictions on broadcasting hours, imposed on 17th December 1973, were lifted on 8th February 1974.