HC Deb 03 February 1944 vol 396 cc1400-1
60. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the delay in announcing the period of double summer-time causes inconvenience to people who have to arrange public entertainments and meetings; and whether he will either make the announcement earlier in future years or standardise the period.

Mr. H. Morrison

While I am anxious to meet, so far as possible, the convenience of people who are arranging public entertainments and meetings, my hon. Friend will recognise that the governing consideration must be the effect on the war effort. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the near future.

Mr. Keeling

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman hopes to make an earlier announcement about next year's double summer-time, or only about this year's?

Mr. Morrison

The point I was covering was an announcement about this year but I will consider the suggestion as to next year.

Mr. Keeling

Will the right hon Gentleman start now considering next year's double summer-time, with a view to making an announcement before Christmas?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir, it does not seem to be necessary to start to do that now.

Sir Herbert Williams

Could the right hon. Gentleman make an announcement in time to provide the information for the printers of diaries?

Mr. Morrison

I quite see that point of the hon. Member's question, and I would like to do that, but sometimes considerations arise fairly shortly before the time of an announcement, which it is right to take into account.

Sir Joseph Lamb

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that, if there is any question of extending the period, full consideration will be given to agricultural interests?

Mr. Morrison

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I never forget that aspect, which is important.

Sir J. Lamb

Thank you.

Major Adams

Have the Government any intentions about double summer-time after the war?