HC Deb 25 January 1951 vol 483 c279
6. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in order to assist river transport and other undertakings to complete their schedules for 1951, he will now announce the starting and terminating dates for Summer Time.

Mr. Ede

The Government propose that Summer Time in 1951 shall extend from 15th April to 21st October. A draft of the Order in Council necessary under the Summer Time Act, 1947, will be laid before Parliament as soon as possible.

Brigadier Rayner

In view of the fact that it was rumoured that there would be Double Summer Time for the Festival of Britain, will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that there is no question of imposing Double Summer Time short of a national emergency?

Mr. Ede

There is no intention of including in the Order this year any provision for Double Summer Time.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Is there now any prospect of returning to regular routine in this matter such as prevailed before the war, rather than it should be left to an annual decision based on the prevailing mood of the Government of the day?

Mr. Ede

No, Sir, it is based on the mood of the House. The Order has to be submitted to the House. Summer Time this year will be for the same period as last year.