HC Deb 22 June 1967 vol 748 cc1933-4
20. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to keep summer-time throughout the year.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Yes, Sir The Government intend to introduce legislation early next Session to apply summertime throughout the year in Great Britain, in conformity with Central European time. The proposal is that the legislation should take effect in the autumn of 1968; and an Order will shortly be laid before the House under the existing Acts providing for summer-time to start next year on 18th February.

Mr. Tilney

While Scotland and some farmers may not find this news very welcome, is the right hon Gentleman aware that the country as a whole, particularly chambers of commerce and industry, will be very gratified?

Mr. Jenkins

We have made all the inquiries that we could on an issue on which people can hold differing views. The Government have concluded that this change will be substantially in accordance with the balance of opinion in the country.

Mr. Lipton

Is not this a further example of the progressive policies being followed by the Government to the advantage and satisfaction of the overwhelming majority of the British public?

Mr. Jenkins

I do not think that I could possibly attempt an answer to that supplementary Question.

Sir R. Russell

Some of us regard this as a retrograde step. If it is the business world that wants it, can the right hon. Gentleman say how the business world of America manages perfectly all right when they have four different times across the Continent?

Mr. Jenkins

As I have indicated in replying to a previous supplementary, I do not think the fact that one has to have different time zones in a continent 3,000 miles wide affects what we do here. However, I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I did not take into account only business opinion but also the general balance of social convenience and social considerations.

Mr. Hogg

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider changing the name of this new time when it goes throughout the year?

Mr. Jenkins

Yes. I do not think that either summer-time or, indeed, Central European time, which applies mostly in western Europe, are particularly appropriate titles. If the right hon. and learned Gentleman or any other hon. Member has any suggestions to offer I will consider them.