§ 40. Captain Pilkingtonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether next year he will prolong summer time for an additional three or four weeks in the autumn as was the practice a few years ago.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend the reply which I gave on 21st October to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire, West (Mr. E. Wakefield).
§ Captain PilkingtonWill my right hon. and gallant Friend consider the greatest good of the greatest number in this case, and in view of the curtailment of sunshine, fresh air and exercise for millions of people, will he change his mind?
Mr. T. WilliamsWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consult the National Farmers' Union before coming to a decision?
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThe right hon. Gentleman will not be surprised to know that I have done so. I am sure he will also not be surprised to know that there is no unanimity upon the point. Some people want the change and some do not. To make a permanent change would require legislation. There are many inconveniences, quite apart from these differences of opinion. The further north one 1396 goes one finds that the idea is not so attractive as it is in the south, and one has to take all opinions into consideration. There is also the very great difficulty, if changes are made year after year, experienced by those who work out timetables for the whole country.