§ 26. Sir E. GOULDINGasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government will again consider the necessity of declaring Saturday, 30th March, the day preceding Easter Sunday, a bank holiday, following the precedent of the last two years, in view of the continued pressure of work under war conditions which has been aggravated by the business men's week and tank collections?
§ Mr. BALDWIN (Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury)Very careful consideration has been given to this suggestion, but in view of the date on which the Saturday before Easter falls this year—at the end of the quarter—its adoption would give rise to inconvenience in many cases. The Government have, therefore, decided that the original decision must be maintained, but they recognise the great pressure under which the staffs of the banks have been working, and will consider the possibility of the grant of an extra day at Whitsuntide.
§ Sir E. GOULDINGMay I ask my hon. Friend is he not aware of the great number of women now employed in banks, and cannot he extend the half-holiday to them, if not to the whole staff?