HL Deb 15 March 1990 vol 516 cc1771-2WA
The Earl of Kimberley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the interval between the end of summer time and the winter solstice is not the same length as the interval between the winter solstice and the beginning of summer time.

Earl Ferrers

Summer time was first introduced in 1916. Its period has been adjusted several times in response to national and sector interests and the preference of the public. Its present period, from about 13 weeks after the winter solstice to about eight weeks before, was introduced in 1972 as a compromise between the various interests at that time, with a minor adjustment in 1981 to harmonise the start date with our Community partners.