HL Deb 24 May 1989 vol 508 c493WA
Lord Jenkins of Putney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is within the law to advertise the use of a product in a way which breaks the law: for example, a car capable of being driven at 126 mph.

Lord Strathclyde

It is not generally illegal to advertise a product the use, or abuse, of which may be unlawful, unless the law specifically forbids it. However virtually all advertisements are subject to either the self-regulatory system administered by the Advertising Standards Authority or the statutory control of the Independent Broadcasting Authority. A car advertisment which placed undue emphasis on speed might be found to be in breach of the relevant rules.