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Problem of return to winter time to be raised during PM's account

Mass protests expressed over abolishment of winter time have shown that this problem needs a repeated discussion

MOSCOW, March 12 (Itar-Tass) - MP Vadim Gutenyov from the United Russia faction, who is Deputy chairman of the Duma Committee on Industry, intends to raise a problem of switching over to winter time when PM Dmitry Medvedev delivers an account of the government's work at the State Duma.

Mass protests expressed by a big number of Russian citizens over abolishment of winter time have shown that this problem needs a repeated discussion, Gutenyov told journalists on Tuesday. The question has been officially formulated and submitted to the leaders of the United Russia faction, the MP added.

A question as to whether it was worthwhile to give up winter time in Russia is often raised at his meetings with the electorate, the MP said. In a number of Russian regions the difference between the established time zone and the geographical longitude of a region makes up two hours. As a result, schoolchildren complain of being too much tired, and kids in kindergartens have to sleep more in the morning to avoid problems linked to lack of psychological balance, the MP said.

An annual account of the work of the Russian government is to be delivered at the State Duma on April 17.