§ 52. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that in consequence of the 1st of May falling on a Saturday a very large number of organised workers in the country have decided to recognise that as a national holiday; if he is aware that a very large number of workmen have notified their 848 employers that they do not intend to present themselves for work on Saturday, 1st May; and, in consequence of the feeling in the minds of organised workers that the 1st of May is to be regarded as general holiday, whether the Government can see their way clear to advise all employers of labour to shut their workshops on 1st May?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am aware that a movement in favour of a holiday on 1st May has made some progress recently, but the Government are not prepared to recommend a general holiday on this date.
§ Mr. MILLSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the workpeople of Woolwich Arsenal have notified the Government of their intention not to go to work on that day, and that they have received no reply yet as to whether or not the Government intend to run the factory in its empty state, in view of the fact that the men will not be present?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI know nothing of that.