asked the Minister for Justice if it is proposed to advance the clocks in this country in conformity with the further advance now proposed for English summer time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Summer Time Arrangements.
asked the Minister for Justice whether in view of the concern expressed by many persons and organisations at the rumoured intention to advance the time by an additional hour, he will give an assurance that no further change in the present summer time arrangements is contemplated.
When it was announced early in March that the clock would be advanced by a further hour in Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the period from the 3rd May to the 9th of August, the Departments concerned considered the question of taking the same step here. There are many arguments in favour of doing so. A temporary difference in clock-time as compared with Great Britain and Northern Ireland is bound to cause a certain amount of confusion. It will cause difficulties and complications in the operations of mail, telegraph and telephone communications and transport services with Northern Ireland. It will cause inconvenience in communications with Great Britain also, but the effect will not be as serious this year as it would be in normal times, since mail and passenger services to Great Britain have been severely curtailed. Furthermore, an advance of clock-time would have the advantage of effecting a saving of fuel particularly by the Electricity Supply Board and gas works. After careful consideration of all the arguments for and against, however, the Government have come to the conclusion that the disadvantages of a further advance in clock-time would at present outweigh the advantages, and they have, accordingly, decided not to make any change.