asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the Government's decision to retain summer time during the winter is the cause of dissatisfaction and hardship; and if he will state on what grounds the decision was taken, what bodies were consulted previously; and whether the matter will be reconsidered without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retention of Summer Time.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state why it was decided to continue official summer time during the coming winter even though it has been discontinued in Great Britain.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that the continuance of summer time during the winter months causes serious inconvenience to the rural community, children and workers generally; and that the Summer Time Committee, 1941, reported that there was practically unanimity as to the undesirability of prolonging the operation of summer time throughout the winter months; and, if so, if he will state if the Government's decision in the matter will be reconsidered without delay.
Mr. Boland
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 28 and 29 together.
The main reason for the Government's decision to extend summer time during the coming winter was the necessity for economy in the use of fuel by the Electricity Supply Board and gas works. There is no immediate prospect of such an improvement in the supply position as would enable the provision of normal supplies of fuel for these concerns.
Is the Minister aware that the main reason why summer time was discontinued in Great Britain was its adverse effect on agriculture? How can the Minister justify the continuance of summer time in this agricultural country?