49. Mrs. Rathboneasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the further hour to be added to the present daylight saving and in the light of urgent representation from the agricultural community, he will consider issuing an order to alter the working hours for agricultural workers?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)During the period 3rd May to 9th August when Summer time will be two hours in advance of Greenwich mean 1689 time, the working day in agriculture will, nevertheless, remain as at present, that is, one hour in advance of Greenwich mean time. If, for example, the normal hours of work on a farm are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the hours, when the clock is advanced, will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The necessary provision has been made in the Order in Council amending the Summer Time Regulations. Provision is made, however, for any farmer to agree with any of his workmen to work according to the "double Summer time" clock if they so desire.
§ Mr. GranvilleWill the right hon. Gentleman see that nothing is done by the war agricultural committees to prevent small working farmers who are working all the hours of daylight from growing food for the war effort?