HC Deb 26 October 1911 vol 30 cc278-9
Captain CRAIG

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he had yet come to a decision on the subject of adopting Greenwich time throughout Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

There is much to be said for the proposed change, and personally I am in favour of it, but, having regard to the provisions of the Statutes (Definition of Time) Act 1880, it could not be effected without legislation, which is out of the question this Session, unless indeed the matter can be treated as wholly uncontentious.

Captain CRAIG

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the matter is entirely non-contentious, and that all parties in Ireland are agreed—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]—and have not petitions been signed in favour of the alteration?

Mr. JOYCE

Wait till we get Home Rule.

Mr. BIRRELL

I shall be glad to know that this Irish matter is non-contentious, but I have not yet been informed so.