§ Dr. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what evidence his Department has as to the extra costs imposed upon United Kingdom(a) airlines, (b) ferry operators and (c) train operators by the one hour time difference between the United Kingdom and continental Europe;
(2) what representations he has received from United Kingdom airlines, ferry operators and train operators regarding the one-hour time difference between the United Kingdom and continental Europe; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NorrisWe have received representations from British Rail and British Airways on this issue. Both organisations have drawn attention to the reduced costs and other benefits which would result from harmonisation of United Kingdom and continental European time. I believe that the chamber of shipping takes a similar view.
The Council of Ministers has recently adopted a common position on a Commission proposal to harmonise the end-date of summertime throughout the Community from 1996. The case for a move to single-double summertime in the United Kingdom is currently under consideration and I expect a conclusion to be reached shortly.