§ 20. Mr. Goldingasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what estimates he has made of the effect of British Standard Time on the construction industry; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KershawThe Department has made a survey on behalf of the National Consultative Council of the effects of British Standard Time on the industry in the winter 1969–70. This report was communicated to the Home Office and a copy was placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. GoldingIs the Minister aware that the additional cost to young couples buying houses as a result of British Standard Time is extremely high? Does he appreciate the concern felt by the construction industry about British Standard Time and the feeling that it should be brought to end as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. KershawI am aware of the feeling in the construction industry and the view that B.S.T. costs money. That feeling gets stronger the further north one goes, for obvious reasons. But the general policy on British Standard Time is a matter for the Secretary of State for the Home Department who will take this point into consideration in a general survey which he is to make.
§ Mr. BrewisWill the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that the effect of British Standard Time is much worse in Scotland? Will he endeavour to get rid of it as soon as he possibly can?
§ Mr. KershawYes. I realise that it is felt more in that part of the country.