HC Deb 10 February 1970 vol 795 cc1062-3
15. Mr. Speed

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works what surveys he has carried out into the effect on productivity on Government contracts of British Standard Time during the darkest month of the year; and what have been the findings of those studies.

Mr. John Silkin

None, Sir.

Mr. Speed

Is it not a proven fact that B.S.T. raises builders' costs and reduces productivity? Is it not time that this unnecessary and unpopular imposition was removed?

Mr. Silkin

I think the hon. Gentleman realises that there has been a two-year experimental period and that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will be considering all relevant points in connection with the economy and the country as a whole at the correct time. But the Ministry has asked the construction industry to provide all its statistical information. This will be presented initially to the National Consultative Council in March and subsequently to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

Mr. Heller

Is my right hon. Friend aware that recently in Strasbourg I discovered that it is light at 8 o'clock in the morning? Yet we were informed that it was important to have British Standard Time to bring us into line with European time. Is it not important that we reconsider this whole matter? It has caused a great deal of difficulty in the building industry, and it ought to be removed at the earliest possible moment.

Mr. Silkin

This is one of the many points for and against which my right hon. Friend will be considering. But I take it that I carry my hon. Friend with me when I say that even if we believe and accept that it harms the building industry to have British Standard Time, this is not necessarily the end of the story, because every part of the nation's economy must be considered at the same time.