§ 47. Mr. Snaddenasked the Prime Minister whether, before any decision is taken by the Government, he will give time for a discussion of the Motion on the Order Paper opposing the re-imposition of double summer time.
§ [That in the opinion of this House the imposition of double summer time is detrimental to vital food production and other national interests and it is therefore desirable that this Measure should not be re-imposed upon the country this summer.]
§ The Prime MinisterI regret that I can hold out no hope of time being found for discussion of the Motion standing in the name of my hon. Friend. Might I say that, in the usual course, Questions relating to Business are answered by the Leader of the House and I have merely taken this one?
§ Mr. SnaddenIs the Prime Minister aware that there is intense feeling throughout the country of real opposition to double summer time? If time cannot be found for a discussion of this important question, which affects every man, woman and child, can he give us an assurance now that double summer time will not be re-imposed?
§ The Prime MinisterI certainly cannot.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartIs not the Prime Minister aware that food producers hold the view that double summer time limits the amount of food which is produced, and that it is therefore a serious matter?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is a very old question. I remember 40 years ago being made very well acquainted with that argument, when the matter was first broached.
§ 65. Lieut.-Commander Joynson-Hicksasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the fact that double summer time is calculated to involve additional consumption of fuel, people will, in the event of double summer time being introduced, continue to be required to deny themselves heat and power between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the summer months.
Major Lloyd GeorgeI do not accept the statement that double summer time in the summer months involves additional consumption of fuel; in fact, there is evidence to the contrary. In any case I do not anticipate any difficulties in meeting electricity requirements between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. during the summer months.