75. Sir F. HALLasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the necessity for further saving in coal, gas. and electricity, which has been confirmed by the additional restrictions placed upon consumers and the closing of all public places by 10.30 p.m., he will take the necessary powers to enable the clock to be put forward another hour from the 19th May till the 21st July; and, if not, will he state why the Government decline to take such steps as would effect a considerable economy by the adoption of such a measure?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Departmental Committee on Summer Time reported against the adoption of a greater variation than one hour; and I am advised that if during the period mentioned in the question when daylight already extends until 9.30 p.m. or thereabouts, the clocks were put forward another hour the change would be attended by a good many disadvantages which would not be compensated by any substantial saving in artificial light and fuel.
Sir F. HALLMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if that Committee did not sit and Report previous to the coming into operation of the new Regulations issued by the Board of Trade; and will not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision with the idea of effecting as much saving as possible and letting the Government set a good example?
§ Sir G. CAVEI have considered it, and I do not think that there would be any substantial saving. If we saved anything at night we should spend more on artificial light in the morning.
Sir F. HALLIs it not a fact that in many places people would be able to go to bed without lighting the gas at all?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is arguing the matter.