HC Deb 13 March 1924 vol 170 cc2533-4
40. Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to lay the Report of the proceedings of the Conference regarding the dates of summer time recently held with representatives of France, Belgium and Holland?

52. Viscount CURZON

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the British representative at the Paris Conference upon summer time was in a minority of one, and refused any agreement with the Belgian, French, and Dutch Governments upon the date upon which summer time should commence; whether he is aware of the great inconvenience that will result to the people of this and other countries from this action; and whether the Government will give further consideration to this matter with a view to arriving at general agreement with the other countries concerned?

Mr. HENDERSON

The members of the Conference agreed to recommend to their respective Governments that the summer time period should commence in the night of the first Saturday in April (or, if that date coincides with Easter, on the preceding Saturday), and end in the night of the first Saturday in October. It was explained by the British representative at the Conference that this recommendation would involve an alteration of the present English law, for which the sanction of Parliament would be required, and that it would not be possible to make the alteration during the present year so far at least as regards the commencement of summer time.

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

Is it the intention of the Government to deal with the matter in the current Session?

Mr. HENDERSON

There is a Bill in the name of an hon. Member opposite, and I will make a statement on that occasion.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

What is the earliest date at which summer time can commence in this country under the present Statute law?

Viscount CURZON

Are the Government going to adhere to the recommendations of this Conference in Paris as soon as they can?

Mr. HENDERSON

It would be better if the Noble Lord will wait until the private Member's Bill is taken, when I will make a full statement of the Government's policy.