HC Deb 18 January 1949 vol 460 c20
29. Mr. Rankin

asked the Lord President of the Council if he has any statement to make on Summer Time in 1949.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Ede)

I have been asked to reply. The Government propose that Summer Time this year shall extend from 3rd April to 30th October. A draft of the Order in Council necessary under the Summer Time Act, 1947 will be laid before Parliament without delay.

Major Sir Thomas Dugdale

Has the right hon. Gentleman given full consideration to the interest of food production, because especially in the Northern parts of the country, and in Scotland, this late Summer Time makes it very difficult for farmers to get in their produce? If he settles a term for a period of Summer Time, will he consider adding a little to the beginning and taking a little from the end, so that in any event it would cease by the first Sunday in October?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir. One has to consider the balance of interests in this matter. This represents a reduction in the period of Summer Time as compared with 1948 and, in view of the requirements of industries other than agriculture, I think this represents a fair compromise between all the interests concerned.

Mr. Snadden

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the late extension into October will impose a very severe handicap on Scottish producers because of our damp climate?

Mr. Ede

It is exactly the same period at the end as it was last year.

Mr. Gallacher

If Summer Time is to apply to Scotland, will the Minister be good enough to see that we get some Summer along with Summer Time?