§ 8. Dr. Winstanleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now introduce the necessary legislation to retain British Summer Time, Mid-European Time, all the year round.
Mr. JenkinsMy review of this matter is progressing well, and I hope to be able to make a statement to the House before the Summer Recess.
§ Dr. WinstanleyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Answer will 1800 have raised the hopes of people engaged in business and commerce with Europe, farmers who resent a bi-annual disruption of their routine and sundry other citizens? Will he keep us in suspense for as short a period as possible?
Mr. JenkinsFor as short a period as possible, but it is necessary to take fairly detailed soundings on the matter, We have issued questionnaires to a great number of institutions concerned and wish to study the results. The indications are that there has been a substantial swing of opinion since 1960.
§ Mr. Ronald BellWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that American businessmen seem to prosper very well with three time belts and that there would be much more opposition than is perhaps realised to any proposal to introduce Mid-European Time into Britain?
Mr. JenkinsI am aware that there would be some opposition and that is why I am trying to sound opinion. But I very much doubt whether one should deduce from the fact that a continent 3,000 miles wide must have three time belts that that should apply to this island.