§ 31. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further study he has now given to the past winter's experience of the working of British Standard Time.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a Question by the hon. Member for Cornwall, North (Mr. Pardoe) on 29th April.—[Vol. 782, c. 212.]
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneCould the hon. Gentleman now say where his right hon. Friend stands? When he came to Scotland last December he said that we would have a review this year. When he came south again he seemed to withdraw that. Now, apparently, he has reinstated it. Could he drum into the thick head of his right hon. Friend—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—that the people of Scotland want done with this irrelevant, expensive and unnecessary experiment as soon as possible?
§ Mr. ReesTo that ill-mannered question, I would answer that when my right hon. Friend made his remarks in Scotland what he said was that we would now make an assessment of the situation, and 1606 we are looking at accidents on the roads, in agriculture and in industry. Those are the preliminary things. I hope that the hon. Member will realise that if the number of accidents to young children in the mornings falls it would weigh heavily with me. Let us look at the figures before we come to a decision.
§ Mr. HoggWill the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friend consider the proposition that when in future a matter such as this is considered, it will be on a free vote of the House instead of with the Whips on?