39. Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the objections from the standpoint of the agricultural industry to a summertime period lasting from March to October; whether legislation has been passed or is in contemplation by the French Senate, by the Congress of the United States, and by the Commonwealth Parliament of Australia, with the object of repealing war-time Regulations in respect to summer time; and whether he 812 will state the intentions of His Majesty's Government in relation to summer-time legislation for this country?
§ Mr. SHORTTYes, Sir. The objections from the standpoint of agriculture have been fully considered by His Majesty's Government. A Private Member's Bill to repeal the law relating to summer time was recently passed by the French Senate, but I am not aware that it has made any further progress. I have no information as to legislation in Australia or the United States of America. As to the last paragraph of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Bill which I introduced on the 8th instant on behalf of the Government.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman say what is the reason for the Government dealing this further backhander, and will he at any rate give the assurance that he will not proceed with this Bill till he knows the result of the Bill which is now in the French Chamber?
§ Viscount CURZONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Summer Time Bill is a boon beyond all price to the workers?
§ Mr. SPEAKERAll that would be more appropriate to a discussion on the Bill.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYMay I ask, Mr. Speaker, for an answer to the last part of my question? [H0N. MEMBERS: "Order!"]
§ Mr. SPEAKERReally, we must not get into argument.