§ 47. Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister, having regard to the inconvenience caused in Ireland last year by the Summer Time Act and the application of an incorrect time, for which there was no Irish demand, whether before further enforcing those measures in Ireland he will ascertain Irish opinion of them or allow time for discussion of them in this House?
§ 80. Mr. LUNDONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government still adhere to their theory of not introducing contentious legislation during the period of the War; if so, will he take care that the views of the very great majority of the Irish people who are opposed to the Summer Time Bill will be recognised; is he aware that the enforcement of this Act on Ireland would mean harm to agricultural interests in the hours of work; and, in view of the unanimous opposition from rural Ireland to the extension of this measure to Ireland, will he confine his theories to Great Britain?
§ Sir G. CAVEI cannot make any statement on the subject of the Summer Time Act until I have received the Report of the Departmental Committee which has been inquiring into the whole question. Two Irish representatives—the hon. Baronet the Member for Mid-Armagh and the hon Baronet the Member for South Westmeath —were appointed on the Committee, in order to ensure that full consideration should be given to the special circumstances and needs of Ireland, and I understand that the Committee have, in fact, made a thorough inquiry into the working of the Act in Ireland.
§ Colonel M'CALMONTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a distinct desire on the part of the people of Ulster to conform to the altered time proposed, and not as stated in the question?
§ Sir G. CAVEI think that is very probable.
§ Mr. LUNDONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a distinct desire on the part of the people of Munster, Leinster and Connaught not to conform to the altered time?