This Is Guernsey

By Nicci Martel

ANYONE concerned about the possible disadvantages of switching to Central European Time is being invited to argue their case. The Guernsey Consumer Group will organise a public meeting for early February to discuss how changing the time would affect people in their day-to-day lives. It hopes that Deputy Peter Roffey will make the case in favour and is looking for someone to argue against.

‘It’s very important that the effects of adapting Central European Time on the public’s private lives should be clearly stated before the States makes a decision to go ahead,’ said group chairman Roy Bisson.

‘There are plenty of people finding good reasons for changing from a business point of view and States members are being lulled into thinking that everyone wants this. But there are disadvantages.

‘The problem with a requete is that it is a decision to go ahead, not a decision to consult or produce a report, so it is vital that all the arguments are heard first.’

Mr Bisson said there were issues that could affect individuals who had no pressure group raising their concerns with the decision-makers.

For example, he said that an earlier start to the day would mean households getting up in a colder part of the day.

Running the heating while getting ready for work or school would use more energy and cost more.

He also said newspapers and post would arrive an hour later under CET and timetables for both travel and broadcasting would be out of sync.

‘We are looking for somebody who can make a case against doing it, unless the UK does it too. The whole aim of the meeting is to open up the discussion on this. It will be a proper debate,’ said Mr Bisson, pictured below.

The States will discuss the requete in February.

* For more information about the meeting, for a which a venue, time and date are yet to be set, email roy@bisson.com.