§ 23. Mr. Tilneyasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make an estimate of the extent to which the introduction of Western European time for Great Britain throughout the year would stimulate British trade with Europe.
§ Mr. DarlingI see no way of making such an estimate. But I am aware of the inconvenience which the difference of time involves and it is one of the considerations which my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department will have in mind when he reviews the arrangements for Summer Time.
§ Mr. TilneyHas the Minister's attention been drawn to the resolution of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce urging that time in this country should be the same as Western European time? Does he agree that there is a loss during the winter of 25 per cent. contact time by telephone and telex and that the problems of time for the farmer in Normandy are the same as for the farmer in Kent?
§ Mr. DarlingI am aware of the first part of the hon. Member's supplementary question. As to the second part, I am not sure that such estimates can be accepted without further investigation.