HC Deb 22 May 1968 vol 765 cc523-4
23. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received to date in favour of the introduction of British Standard Time; and how many against.

Mr. Ross

Since the Government's decision was announced on 22nd June, 1967, I have received no representations in favour and about 114 representations against. As the hon. Gentleman is aware, the Government have reconsidered this matter in view of the many representations received and have tabled an Amendment to the Bill to provide for an experimental period of three years.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's Answer, is it not clear that everyone in Scotland is totally against the introduction of British Standard Time, so why not drop the idea altogether?

Mr. Ross

I suggest that the hon. Gentleman is being somewhat sweeping when he refers to everyone in Scotland being totally opposed to the introduction of B.S.T. He usually tells me to consult everyone in Scotland. He may be interested to know that the Scottish Office of the Confederation of British Industries the Scottish Trades Union Congress and the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) were among those I consulted at the start and that they were in favour of the introduction of B.S.T.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Why not leave Scotland alone until the three-year experiment has been conducted in England?

Mr. Ross

That would not be a practicable idea.

Mr. Hughes

Why not?

Mr. Ross

Many people in Scotland are in favour of this change.

Mr. MacArthur

Will the right hon. Gentleman recognise that this proposal will involve serious hardship to agriculture in Scotland and will probably intro- duce some new perils for schoolchildren in rural districts? Is he aware that this places a totally intolerable new burden on Scottish life for a questionable commercial advantage?

Mr. Ross

I assure the hon. Gentleman that once again he exaggerates the difficulties in this matter. We naturally took into consideration most seriously the effects that this change would have on agriculture. We always seriously consider these matters. We also considered its effect on schoolchildren. It will mean that schoolchildren will travel to school— that is, if present school hours remain the same—in darkness in parts of the country, but they will get the advantage at the other end of the day.

Mr. Brewis

Is there any real reason why Scotland should not have different time from England?

Mr. Ross

I think we have enough complications without that.