asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the improved supplies of electricity, he is now prepared to suspend the operation of summer time for the remainder of the present winter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - “Summer Time.”
Mr. Boland
I stated in reply to questions on the 10th of October last that the main reason for the Governments decision to extend summer time during the winter was the need for economy in the use of fuel by the Electricity Supply Board and gas works, and that there was no immediate prospect of such an improvement in the supply position as would enable the provision of normal supplies of fuel for those concerns.
I am informed that there has not been such an improvement in the supply position as would warrant a return to standard time.
Is the Minister not aware that there has been a very great relaxation of the restrictions on the use of electricity during the past few weeks and, in view of that, can he give any valid reason why summer time should be continued during the winter?
Mr. Boland
I have nothing to add. The fuel position has not so improved as to make it safe to return to the normal time.
Why have the restrictions on the use of electricity been removed?
Mr. Boland
That is a question for another Department.