§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he is satisfied with the operation of the present regulations controlling the use of captive balloons for advertising purposes ; and, if not, whether any changes are proposed.
§ Mr. TebbitSuccessive Administrations have considered the position to be unsatisfactory and a review has been in process for some time. The Government now have it in mind to relax the application of the Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations 1971 so that exemption from them will be extended from the present limit which covers captive balloons not exceeding one metre in any linear dimension so as to cover captive balloons whose size does not exceed seven metres in any linear dimension combined with a total gas capacity not exceeding 700 cubic feet. This is equivalent to a spherical balloon of a little over 3 metres in diameter. A suitable statutory instrument will be laid before Parliament at an appropriate time. It is the intention that the present controls exercised by the Civil Aviation Authority over the flying of balloons at stated heights, in controlled airspace and in proximity to aerodromes and large assemblies of persons shall all remain fully effective. In addition, it will be the responsibility of those flying balloons for advertising or other purposes to see that there is compliance with any other relevant legislation such as that254W enforced by the police or by local authorities.