HC Deb 24 February 1987 vol 111 cc152-3W
Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the continued operation of Greenwich mean time and British summer time; what proposals have been made for closer alignment of seasonal time changes among member states of the European Community; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

In the past 12 months, we have received three representations in favour of the current system of summer time and 42 in favour of other methods. Member states did not accept the European Commission's proposal in 1984 for harmony of dates to be achieved by a compromise date of mid-October for the end of summer time; but it is likely that the Commission will again seek to bring member states into harmony when the present agreement expires at the end of 1988.