WELCOME back to Greenwich Mean Time, or "Universal Time", all those who over the summer departed from this, our natural and highly prestigious time zone.

Before becoming embroiled in an argument over when we should get up, may I suggest that is absolutely not the issue. The question is whether the state should uphold a rational framework within which individuals and organisations can exercise their own judgement and volition, or whether it should seek to impose one decision upon all.

Those who wish us to save more daylight might ponder whether this worthy objective is better achieved through extending the deception of clock-changing or by respecting subsidiarity and encouraging those who are most enthusiastic to make the experiment first.

Some seem to equate local debate and choice with fearful chaos. They might perhaps be reassured by retaining set dates at which it can be presumed that organisations nationwide will shift their working hours, unless they have announced they are going to do otherwise, (in either case leaving the clock itself untouched).

What, anyway, is so desirable about synchronising the moment at which we all hit the roads or railway stations?

John Riseley, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

IT has been found that, because of changing the clocks in autumn, and getting dark sooner, that extra electricity is used generally.

Here's the Government's chance to help with global warming avoidance - by rethinking this outdated practice, perhaps altering the clocks, say, at the end of November and February, shortening the darker nights somewhat.

Other advantages of this change may be fewer road accidents, due to the gloomy afternoons, also less burglary and mugging.

Fred M Atkinson, Shincliffe, Durham.