Move to European time to get 'careful scrutiny'

Tourism Minister John Penrose revealed the coalition Government will consider the move "very carefully" after the Tories began examining the change in opposition.

Supporters claim moving to Double Summer Time – with GMT plus one hour in winter and GMT plus two hours in summer – would bring environmental, road safety and health benefits, while tourism officials believe it could be worth 3.5 billion-a-year to the economy and create 80,000 new jobs because attractions would be able to stay open later.

Mr Penrose said the coalition had agreed to "revisit this and consider it very carefully", although his comments surprised some in the industry as there was no mention of it in the official agreement between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

"The coalition is committed to study this, and there are some very, very strong voices in the tourism industry that are making some very big claims about it," he said.

"Those are really important claims. They say it could add substantial amounts of value not just to the tourism industry – I think for example the retail industry equally could do well out of it. But there are some important voices as well saying hang on a minute, this isn't as simple as that."

Proposals to change the clocks have previously caused concern in Scotland, while Mr Penrose said he had also asked for more information about claims on road safety.

A poll by the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions last year found two thirds of people would back a three-year trial, with almost half saying they would use the time for extra leisure and sporting activity.

The National Farmers' Union in Scotland has softened its opposition. While favouring the status quo, modern-day machinery and lighting means daylight is less crucial.