XN000022-1973-12-21 — Page 2

Friday, December 21, 1973

LIGIFING RESTRICTIONS FOR NEW YEAR FESTIVALS

The Government is to grant a temporary and partial extension to

the period in which lights are allowed to be turned on during the

forthcoming new year festivals.

The Chairman of the Oil Policy Committee, Mr. M.D.A. Clinton, said

today that the present 10.30 p.m. "switch off" deadline would be extended

on New Year's Eve (December 31) until 1 a.m. the next day.

For the Lunar New Year, the extensions will be spread over three

days. On the nights of January 20 and January 21, the normal 10.30 p..

deadline will be extended till 1 a.m. on the following days. On the night

of January 22 the lights will be permitted to remain on until 7 a.m. the

following morning (January 23), which is the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Mr. Clinton said the decision had been made after taking into

consideration the opinions of a wide cross-section of the Community.

The extension to the hours of lighting was in keeping with the

traditions of these two festivals from which so many people derived enjoyment.

Mr. Clinton explained that Christmas was not included because it

was felt that the neon lights were not essential for the celebration of this

festival which, by tradition, is more of a family affair at home

He stressed that the extension was only for a total of four days,

and that at all other times, the existing restrictions must remain in force.

Although the lights are permitted during the specified hours, Mr. Clinton

said, it does not mean that they must be turned on.

"In fact, the more voluntary restraints we have, the less likelihood

there is of mandatory restrictions appearing at a later date."

0

/2.