§ 31. Mr. Pethick-Lawrenceasked the Home Secretary whether, on the introduction of Double Summer Time, he will make the same arrangements as last year for reducing the hours of black-out in England and Scotland, respectively?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe Lighting (Restrictions) Order, 1940, as amended, already provides for a reduced black-out period in England, Scotland, and Wales from the first Saturday in May to the second Saturday in August. Black-out time is fixed in relation to the amount of twilight after sunset and before sunrise, and, for reasons of public safety, I could not see my way to amend the Lighting (Restrictions) Order so as to make the reduced black-out period coincide with Double Summer Time this year.
§ Mr. Pethick-LawrenceDoes that mean that we shall have half an hour at each end between the present introduction of Double Summer Time and 1st May, and, after that date, an additional half-hour in Scotland?
§ Mr. MorrisonI cannot quite remember the details of this matter, which were dealt with very carefully last year, but my right hon. Friend can take it that the advantageous position of Scotland last year, arising out of the different hours of light in Scotland, will obtain again this year between 2nd May and 8th August.