UK's 'daylight saving' bill clocked by Policy Council

THE Policy Council is monitoring UK discussions about putting the clocks forward by one hour for a three-year trial period.

UK ministers yesterday said they were considering moving to Central European Time and were consulting their counterparts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland about the idea.

'The Policy Council has been made aware of proposals in the UK's private members bill entitled "Daylight Saving Bill" and the recent government announcement in response to this bill,' said a Policy Council spokesperson.

The issue was last discussed in the States in 2009 but deputies decided not to take any action at that time.

If adopted, the change would mean that for one autumn the clocks would not go back, bringing the UK into line with much of Europe.

The following spring the clocks would go forward one hour, which would be two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time – or double summertime.

Supporters of the idea have said the lighter evenings would promote outdoor activities and cut winter road deaths.