§ 4. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total number of representations received by his Department to date about British Standard Time; and how many of these favoured and opposed the experiment, respectively.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Norman Buchan)Since 22nd June, 1967, when the Government announced their decision to introduce British Standard Time, I have received 93 representations opposing it from local authorities, 52 from other representative organisations and 69 from private individuals or firms. I have also received nine petitions. No representations in favour of British Standard Time have been received officially.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneHow many more representations have to be made to the Government on this subject before the Secretary of State will use what influence he has—if he has any—to persuade the Home Secretary that it is time he rethought his absurd obstinacy on this matter?
§ Mr. BuchanI have told the hon Gentleman before that it is our duty to look at the facts. We must examine the facts to see what is desirable. I ask the hon. Gentleman again to look at the facts before he simply starts counting heads in the sort of situation where people always tend to voice opposition rather than write in support, specially when hon. Members stump around the country encouraging them to do so.
§ Mr. James HamiltonIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Chief Constable of Lanarkshire makes it clear that there has been no increase in accidents since the introduction of B.S.T.?
§ Mr. BuchanI am not aware of that report. I will have another look at this. It is true that total casualties, including both adults and children, are down over the period of British Standard Time.