Daylight Saving Bill

Andrew Smith Excerpts

Friday 20th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Chope]

Absolutely, and if the hon. Gentleman is patient I hope to mention Wales in my remarks.

[Mr Andrew Smith (Oxford East) (Lab)]

The hon. Gentleman said earlier what a strong and passionate advocate of the Union he was. Should not this United Kingdom Parliament therefore determine the time zone for the whole United Kingdom?

[Mr Chope]

I agree, and that is exactly what we are doing, but my concern is that if this Parliament changes the time zone for the United Kingdom against the wishes of the people of Scotland, it will give extra ammunition to those people in Scotland who are campaigning for independence. We would be playing into their hands if we forced the Bill through.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Andrew Smith]

We all respect the convictions of religious minorities and the obligations imposed on their members, but is the hon. Gentleman suggesting that more weight should be given to them than to the views of the rest of the population?

[Mr Chope]

My hon. Friend the Member for Shipley will be able to answer that question, because it relates to his amendment. I certainly think that the representations of mainstream religious organisations—the reference is to the mainstream, rather than to any quirky group—should be taken into account.