HC Deb 13 June 1940 vol 361 cc1358-9
12. Major Sir George Davies

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour whether he is now in a position to make a further statement with regard to the arrangement of holidays?

Mr. Assheton

The Government have asked for a general cancellation or postponement of holidays during this period of crisis in order that there may be no interference with the production of munitions and that transport should be left free as far as possible for the needs of evacuation and Civil Defence. The response has been magnificent and production has been greatly accelerated. But we must beware of any slackening of momentum. As far as is humanly possible we must for some time to come continue at the same high pressure the output of urgent war requirements of every kind. It must be recognised that seven day working without adequate periods of rest for individuals is not an efficient method of production if continued for any length of time. Periodical rest periods for individuals are necessary even on urgent priority work, if output is to be maintained at the highest level. Arrangements should be made to provide such rest periods and they should include the building up as quickly as possible of a staff which will allow one day's rest periodically for the personnel. The details of the arrangements that may be practicable will vary from industry to industry; the managements of the various plants and the associations of employers and workers should set themselves at once to the immediate solution of this problem.

As regards holidays, the cancellation or suspension of complete stoppages must hold good. This will apply not only to holidays extending over several days but also to day holidays such as the August Bank Holiday, which it is proposed to cancel by Defence Regulation, and other one-day holidays. When it is the practice for holidays to be taken in rotation by individuals and thus to be spread over a period of months, it should be considered whether they would interfere in any way with urgent war requirements or with other urgent requirements for transport or other essential services. If they would so interfere, they should not be taken now. When this is not so, however, it will in most cases be better that they should be taken as arranged. Those spending holidays in the country who are able to help in work on the land are urged to make inquiries locally whether their services can be used in this way.

In trades covered by the Trade Boards Acts, agriculture and the road haulage industry there is a legal obligation to give an annual holiday in certain cases within specified months of the year. Steps will be taken so far as necessary to extend the period within which such holidays must be given or otherwise to adjust the legal obligation to the needs of the situation. Questions will arise as to the rate of wages for work done on days that would ordinarily be holidays. It is the view of the Government that such questions should be settled in accordance with any provisions in agreements relating to this matter.

Sir Herbert Williams

Are the hon. Gentleman and his right hon. Friend taking careful note of reports of the Health of Munition Workers Committees and other committees as to the adverse effect on output of excessive overtime, and will the utmost care be taken to ensure that abnormal overtime does not lead to a reduction in output instead of an increase?

Mr. Assheton

The maximum output is that which the Government seek to obtain.

Sir H. Williams

Will the hon. Gentleman answer a plain question, as to whether his Department are considering the well-established fact that excessive overtime produces a reduction instead of an increase?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman has had his answer.