§ 81. Mr. A. SHORTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the number of men employed in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, who fought in the War he will arrange for the closing of the gardens on the 19th July in order that these men may take part in the Peace 382 celebrations; and, if this not possible, whether he will grant the men who are compelled to work double pay for the day instead of a day's holiday later on?
Sir ARTHUR BOSCAWENAs 19th July has been ordered to be observed as a Bank Holiday it is likely that, as on other Bank Holidays, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, will be visited by large numbers of people who wish to spend the holiday in a quiet fashion Having regard to the public interest the Board do not, therefore, propose to close the gardens on that day. No man, however, will be retained on duty who can possibly be spared.
The instructions issued for the observance of 19th July as a Bank Holiday throughout the public service prescribe that "any officer who, owing to the exigencies of the public service is required to attend for duty on that day, may be allowed a day's leave in lieu." The Board have no power to vary this ruling by awarding double pay for the day in place of a day's leave in lieu.