§ Mr. Anthony Greenwoodasked the Prime Minister what action he proposes to take on the representations made to him by the English and Scottish National Farmers' Unions on the subject of double summer time.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government have given the most careful consideration to the representations recently put forward by the National Farmers' Unions of England and Scotland with regard to the effect of double summer time on agriculture. They have always fully recognised that the operation of this temporary expedient must create serious difficulties for the agricultural community, but having regard, on the one hand, to the strong case presented on behalf of the farmers, and, on the other hand, to the vital needs of other forms of industry in the present critical situation, they have come to the conclusion that it is in the national interests that, during the present year, single and double summer time should continue for the periods provided for by the Summer Time Act, 1947. In the light of all the information before them, however, they have decided that they can now give an assurance that it is not their intention to make use of the powers contained in Section 1 (2) of the124W Summer Time Act, 1947, for the purpose of introducing double summer time during the year 1948. I am informing the National Farmers' Unions of the Government's decision: the contents of this letter are being given to the Press.