17. Mr. McKieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in the recent conversations which he had with the representatives of the National Farmers Union of Scotland regarding the reimposition of double summer time, the representatives of that body made it plain that they had taken the view of the various branches of the union throughout Scotland on the subject.
§ Mr. WestwoodSteps taken by an association to obtain the views of their constituent members prior to a meeting with a Minister are not a question for me, but in this particular case I might say that the Union's representatives made clear the attitude of the farmers throughout the country to the summer time proposals.
Mr. McKieIn thanking the right hon. Gentleman for what he has been good enough to say, may I ask him whether he is aware that many branches of the National Farmers Union all over the country were not consulted at all, particularly the two branches in Wigtownshire, where there is very strong disapproval of the action of the central body in not bringing the views of all the branches to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman so that he might be fully aware of their opposition?
§ Mr. WestwoodI am aware of the objection of the agricultural community to the summer time proposals, but I am also glad to be able to state that the National Farmers Union decided to accept the decision in a truly national spirit.
§ Mr. SnaddenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that agricultural opinion not only in Scotland but in England and Wales is most strongly opposed to the imposition of this iniquitous Measure?
§ Mr. WestwoodI have indicated that, but it is the law of the land, and, as I have already told the House, the National Farmers Union realised what was the national need at the moment.