54. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will seek the advice of the medical profession concerning the psychological effects of British Standard Time on the inhabitants of the Northern half of the British Isles and issue a supplementary report on the experiment before asking the House to take a decision in the matter.
§ Mr. CarlisleNo, Sir. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the information contained in the White Paper "Review of British Standard Time" is sufficient to enable hon. Members to reach a decision on this matter without any further inquiries.
Earl of DalkeithIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are only eight meagre lines in that review referring to the health aspect? Is he aware that there is a nasty phenomenon known as darkness sickness which leads to the highest suicide rates in some Northern latitudes? Will he look into the matter?
§ Mr. CarlisleI am sure that my noble Friend will draw that point to the attention of the House when this matter is debated, at which time the House will be invited to make up its mind on the subject.