§ Lieut.- Colonel Sir J. NORTON GRIFFITHS(by Private Notice) asked the Leader of the House whether, in view of the serious doubt which exists in the minds of both employers and workers as to the duration of the Peace celebrations, he will state if Saturday is to be the only official holiday arranged by the Government for such celebrations?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI did not know there was any doubt. Saturday is the only official holiday.
§ Sir J. N. GRIFFITHSWill the Government make any statement or give any indication with regard to pay? I ask because at Newcastle and Middlesbrough a lot of people think they are entitled to pay, and the employers would like a lead from the Government.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not like answering a question without verification, but I am pretty sure I stated in the House that, so far as Government employés are concerned, pay would be given. Of course, we cannot control private employers.
§ Mr. T. GRIFFITHSIs the Leader of the House aware that employers in the steel and tinplate trades in South Wales are paying the workers for that day, and that other employers in the country ought to follow a good example?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am very glad to hear it of one set of employers. I should be glad to hear it of all.
Sir H. COWANWill the right hon. Gentleman not give a lead to the private employers—I am sure they would be glad to follow it?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs I said before, I would like notice, but I have no doubt we have already given the best lead.