COMMONS AMENDMENTS. (Hansard, 13 July 1922)

THE EARL OF ONSLOW

My Lords, the next Amendments are more important. The principle was discussed on the Committee 425 stage and on Report in this House, and the agricultural point of view was very ably and lucidly stated by the noble Marquess, Lord Crewe, and Lord Lyell. When the Bill was introduced in the House of Commons similar arguments were put forward and very strong pressure was brought to bear by the agricultural interest to reduce the period of summer time substantially, but I should say that the representatives of agriculture in another place very fairly recognised the boon that summer time afforded to the urban population, and there was on both sides a very general desire to effect a compromise. The period which was finally decided upon was the period between the third Saturday in April, or if that is Easter Saturday the second Saturday, and the third Saturday in September. I should say that this period is only a week less than that recommended by the Departmental Committee which sat in 1917.

One reason which influenced the Government in agreeing to this compromise was the fact that, originally, there was an agreement with the French Government, who had pressed for an extended period of summer time. Since that agreement took place the French Chamber voted against the law which was constituting summer time, and the position of France is now that the French Government have obtained for the current year the period of summer time agreed to with us, but there is in existence no legislation providing for summer time next year. When this Bill was before your Lordships in Committee I mentioned that any change in the period of summer time should be effected, if necessary, by an Amending Bill next year, but as it has been possible to reach this compromise it will not be necessary now to deal with the matter early next year. There is, however, as I will explain on the following Amendment, opportunity for raising the whole question every year. I therefore move that the Commons Amendments be agreed to.