§ 7. Sir A. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now satisfied that most people as well as the 175 organisations he consulted favour some extension of Summer Time particularly by a fortnight in October; and if he will announce the Government's proposals for amending the Summer Time Act.
§ Mr. VosperI regret that I am not yet in a position to add anything to the Answers which I gave to Questions on 12th and 19th May.
§ Sir A. HurdIs not my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, who is always very anxious to keep in line with public opinion, being unduly deliberate in reaching a decision? Is it not a fact that the great majority of these organisations, as well as the general public, would favour a modest extension of Summer Time in October and that the National Farmers' Union in England and Wales has said that if there is this general desire it would not object?
§ Mr. VosperMy hon. Friend has not had the advantage I have had of examining the reply to the questionnaire. In fact, there are various replies made to it which do not accord in general with the view of the National Farmers' Union. My right hon. Friend still needs a little further time to consult with his colleagues on this difficult matter.
§ Mr. FletcherIf the people of this country want an extra fortnight's Summer Time, why should not they have it? Will the right hon. Gentleman please explain that? Does the Home Secretary claim to override the wishes of the majority of the people in this matter?
§ Mr. VosperThe answer to the hon Gentleman's supplementary question is that the result of the questionnaire does not show that the people of this country want an extra fortnight's Summer Time.