HC Deb 07 December 1925 vol 189 cc7-8
76. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the demand by industrial employés of the Government that they should be granted at least 12 days' annual holiday with pay; and whether the Government can see its way to grant this request?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Government some months ago gave very full consideration to a request for paid annual leave to industrial employés, but were unable to find justification for granting it.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

As the right hon. Gentleman knows that it is a very healthy practice for employés to take holidays, does he not think that it would be more in keeping with modern traditions if the Government allowed their employés to do so, on pay?

Mr. McNEILL

The hon. Member is asking my opinion, but he would attach no weight to it if he had it.

Mr. STEPHEN

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us some reason why the Government decide that industrial workers should not have holidays, on pay?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of this question.