HC Deb 03 April 1911 vol 23 cc1797-8
Mr. BOWERMAN

asked whether, in view of the fact that the Coronation day and the day following will be public holidays in the county of London, it is intended that the workpeople employed in the Deptford Victualling Yard, Enfield Small Arms Factory, Pimlico Clothing Factory, Woolwich Arsenal, Waltham Abbey Gunpowder Factory, and West India Dock Naval Store shall be granted and be paid for such holidays?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)

The question should be addressed to the representatives of the War Office and Admiralty, which are the Departments concerned.

Mr. REMNANT

asked the Prime Minister whether he will recommend the payment of an allowance towards the cost of entertaining distinguished visitors attending the Coronation incurred by naval commanders-in-chief and general officers in command of districts?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

I am informed that no applications on the subject have been received from naval commanders - in - chief nor from general officers commanding. If commanding officers have to entertain there are funds provided for the purpose. If these should be regarded as insufficient in any instance the case can be considered.

Mr. REMNANT

May I ask whether that answer will be brought to the notice of the naval commanders-in-chief and others concerned?

Mr. TIMOTHY DAVIES

asked, having regard to the proposal of the Government as to the duration of the Coronation holidays, that it was proposed to make two days' holiday apply merely to the county of London, he will state if the Royal Proclamation is rightly worded in stating that 22nd and 23rd June shall be both public holidays under the provisions of the Bank Holiday Act throughout the Kingdom; and, if so, why this alteration was made in the original proposal?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am advised that the legal effect of the Proclamation is in accord with the announcement made—namely, that Thursday, 22nd June, will be observed as a bank holiday throughout the United Kingdom, including London, and Friday, the 23rd, as a bank holiday within the administrative county of London alone.