§ 21. Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has now received from local education authorities, schools and individual parents in England and Wales about the operation of British Standard Time in the winter months; and what conclusions he has reached with regard to the first year's operation of the experiment where schools are concerned.
§ Miss BaconLast summer my right hon. Friend received 13 letters opposing 1318 the introduction of British Standard Time. Immediately after Circular 23/68 was issued on 22nd November, 1968, he received about 40 more letters in the same strain, a few supporting the change, and about 30 on various related matters.
My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Home Department is making an assessment of certain aspects of the effects of British Standard Time and when this is complete my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science will consider whether any action in relation to the schools would be desirable.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithNevertheless, is the right hon. Lady aware that most parents disliked sending their children to schools in the darknees of the past winter, and that the children themselves disliked it? Would she now encourage the Government to revise the operation of British Standard Time rather than wait until the end of the three-year experimental period?
§ Miss BaconAs I have said, the whole matter of British Standard Time is one for the Government as a whole. Our responsibility is whether or not to advise local authorities to open or close schools at different hours. We must await the review, of which I have spoken, being undertaken by the Home Secretary.