§ 52. Mr. FORRESTasked the Prime Minister whether the Government has come to any decision with regard to the permanent adoption of Summer Time in this country; and whether, before taking any step, he proposes to make inquiry into the working of the change?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)I have been asked to reply to this question. Summer Time was the subject of a very full inquiry by a Departmental Committee after its first introduction in the summer of 1916. No fresh considerations of importance have arisen since that inquiry, and I see no occasion for a further inquiry. As I stated in reply to a question on 4th August last by the hon. Member for the Henley Division, the Government believe that the general 886 feeling is strongly in favour of the continuance of the system, and it is their intention to propose legislation for the purpose of making it permanent.
Captain BENNIf it is the intention of the Government to propose legislation, why do they continue this in the War Laws Emergency Bill?
§ Mr. E. WOODWhen is it proposed to put this system in operation, and will the right hon. Gentleman, if the question is still under consideration, have regard to the representations of those concerned in the agricultural industry?
§ Mr. SHORTTYes, all questions are considered.