§ 22. Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been made to him, by the Trades Union Congress, about the advisability of retaining Summer Time throughout the year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsThe Trades Union Congress has informed me that it is in favour of retaining Summer Time throughout the year, in conformity with mid-European time. Its views were sought as part of the review that I am undertaking of this matter. I am not yet able to make any further statement.
§ Mr. WalkerWhile I welcome my right hon. Friend's move from his previous negative position, may I ask him if he 1739 does not consider that this is an important indication of the swing which is taking place in public opinion[Laughter.]—and a change from the 1963 review decision? Will he please come to an early decision so that we can bring ourselves into line, at least in this respect, with modern European practice?
§ Mr. JenkinsI am not aware that I ever took a negative point of view on this issue. There has been a significant movement of public opinion recently on this matter. We want to study it closely, and I hope that it may be possible to announce a decision to the House in the reasonably near future, perhaps before the Summer Recess.
§ Mr. Ronald BellIs the Home Secretary aware that adopting this proposal will merely result in shifting noon from 12 o'clock to 1 o'clock, undermining the whole basis upon which time is computed around the world? Is he further aware that I shall shortly be introducing a Bill to repeal the Summer Time Act? Will I have his support?
§ Mr. JenkinsThe hon. Gentleman's gloomy approach to these matters would remain unshakeable whatever I did about Summer Time.