HC Deb 16 March 1917 vol 91 cc1431-2
6. Mr. LUNDON

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the ordinary day's work in Ireland ends at 6 o'clock; whether he is aware of the injustice of imposing the Summer Time Act upon Irish agriculturists, which would mean that one hour and a half, and in some cases two hours, of the very best part of the day would be taken away from those engaged in food production; is he aware that its passage would only give the farmer by sun time, which is the method by which he can save his crops, six hours a day in a year in which he is asked to do abnormal harvest work as against eight hours per day heretofore, and which was absolutely essential for his requirements even with the lesser amount of tillage he turned out; and will some regard be had to the wishes of those who are increasing enormously their work, as if the Act applies to Ireland it will mean that the crops now being put into the ground cannot be saved?

The SECRETARY OF STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir G. Cave)

I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject at present. The whole question is receiving the careful consideration of the Government.

Mr. HAZLETON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when an answer may be expected?

Sir G. CAVE

I hope early next week.

Mr. FLAVIN

Has the right hon. Gentleman received this week a resolution of the society representing the farmers and agriculturists of the whole of Ulster, passed unanimously and protesting against the extension of summer time in Ireland?

Sir G. CAVE

No. I think that in the agricultural districts of Ireland there is a preponderance of feeling against the renewal of the Order, but I know that in the urban districts of Ireland opinion is the other way.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the agricultural districts of Ireland opinion is unanimously against the Summer Time Act?

Sir G. CAVE

No. I have resolutions from the rural districts in favour of it.

Mr. DEVLIN

Would the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the suggestion which I made a few days ago, that this Bill should apply to those parts of Ireland which want it, and not to those parts which do not want it.

Sir G. CAVE

That would not be within the purview of the Act of Parliament.