Parliament - The House of Lords

Lighter Evenings (Experiment) Bill 2006

Background

The Lighter Evenings (Experiment) Bill [HL] was introduced in the House of Lords on 30th November 2005 by Lord Tanlaw.  Lord Tanlaw has provided some Background Notes to the Bill.

It effectively seeks to move the UK to Central European Time for an experimental period of 3-years to produce "lighter evenings".

First Reading

The Bill was introduced and had its First Reading in the House of Lords on 30th November 2005.

Second Reading

The Bill received its Second Reading in The House of Lords on 24th March 2006.

Committee Stage

The Bill was amended in Lords Committee on 20 April 2006.

Third Reading

Read a third time in the House of Lords on 16 May 2006 at 14:06 GMT (15:06 BST) and passed, and sent to the House of Commons.

Notes - Government Position

"the Government see no reason to change the existing arrangements, which we consider to be a satisfactory compromise between those who prefer lighter mornings and those who prefer lighter evenings. Recent informal discussion with stakeholders representing both business and workers shows no strong desire to change, with some being strongly opposed to change."

"convention dictates that the Government will treat the Bill in a neutral way when any voting is involved in your Lordships' House"