British Time Harmonisation

Baroness Corston Excerpts

Wednesday 11th July 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord De Mauley]

We have already had a bit of a discussion about the effects on trade and I do not think that I have a great deal to add. However, if I detect a sense of hesitancy in the noble Lord about going for a change, I can quote to him what the Prime Minister said:

“I want us to have a united time zone. It's up to those who want to make the change to make the argument to try to convince people right across the country that it's a good thing”.

[Baroness Corston]

My Lords, I recollect the experiment 40 years ago, which was voted for overwhelmingly in another place as an experiment and then voted against overwhelmingly at the end of it. Bearing in mind what was said just now about industry, will the Minister recall the damaging effect on the construction industry, with late starts in the morning?

[Lord De Mauley]

Yes, my Lords, I am aware of it. That and many other things would need to be taken into account.