§ 51. Sir H. BRITTAINasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has replied to the French Government's 926 communication with regard to attempting to get uniformity in summer time between this country, Belgium, Holland and France; whether he is aware that the latter countries have decided to commence summer time on 28th March, but will wait until 4th April if Great Britain so desires; and, if no reply has yet been sent, will he give favourable consideration to this suggestion?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for HOME AFFAIRS (Sir William Joynson-Hicks)My right hon. Friend, who has asked me to reply to this question, is, I understand, explaining to the French Government that the matter will shortly come before Parliament, but that it can- 927 not be expected that a decision will be reached in time to affect the date from which summer time will run this year. As the House is aware, the subject will be debated on Friday next; and I may explain now that, if the Bill introduced by the hon. and gallant Member for the North-Western Division of Hull (Lieut.-Colonel Lambert Ward) receive a Second Reading on a free vote, the Government propose to adopt it, arid carry it through its further stages as a Government Measure.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWill the right hon. Gentleman promise to vote for it himself?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is a question which can be put on Friday.
§ Mr. HURDWould it not be worth while to get into touch with the agricultural interest, to see whether this matter could not be brought to a friendly arrangement?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMy Depart-part received a deputation only two days ago from the agriculturists of Scotland. I regret to say there seems to be no chance of arriving at any agreement which would be acceptable to both parties.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have had a conference with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture.