§ Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a study of the effects on loading and collecting stock for market by farmers following the introduction of British Standard Time;
(2) what is the effect on agricultural fuel costs resulting from the introduction of British Standard Time;
(3) what representations he has received about the effect of British Standard Time on the management of farm routine; and what reply he has sent;
(4) what representations he has received about the effect of British Standard Time on the process of rural depopulation; and what reply he has sent;
(5) what effect on wage bills in agriculture has resulted from the introduction of British Standard Time;
(6) if he will make a study of the extent to which the work of veterinary surgeons in rural areas is affected by the introduction of British Standard Time;
(7) what is the effect on the number of hours of overtime worked by agricultural workers in Scotland during the 305W winter months following the introduction of British Standard Time.
§ Mr. RossI have received from the National Farmers' Union of Scotland a summary of a survey undertaken by the Union of the effects of British Standard Time on agriculture in Scotland over the past winter. The survey mentions the effects on loading and collecting of stock, fuel and wages costs, management of farm routine, rural depopulation, overtime and the work of veterinary surgeons in rural areas. The Union has been informed that its representations will be carefully considered. Meanwhile my Department is examining all these aspects of British Standard Time in the light of the information available.
§ Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received to date supporting and opposing British Standard Time since the proposal to introduce it was first announced.
§ Mr. RossSince 22nd June, 1967, when the Government announced their decision to introduce British Standard Time, I have received 91 representations opposing it from local authorities, 50 from other representative organisations and 67 from private individuals or firms. I have also received nine petitions. No representations in favour of British Standard Time have been received officially.