§ 4. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Minister of Labour how many trades in Scotland have agreements giving the workers holidays with pay; how many trades have 1227 no such agreements; and will he consider the introduction of legislation giving all workers 14 days' annual holiday, plus statutory holidays, with pay, in the same way as is done with Government employés?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONAn article giving particulars of the industries in which general or district agreements were known to exist, containing provision for paid holidays, was published on pages 242–243 of the issue of the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" for July, 1932, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. It is not proposed to introduce legislation on this subject.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODArising out of that part of his reply in which the Minister said that he did not propose to introduce legislation, I want to ask him why?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI welcome these arrangements, and I hope they will increase, but I should not feel justified in attempting to force them on any particular industry. The arrangements are much better made voluntarily.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this sort of concession cannot be given unless the industries are making a profit?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONYes, no doubt that is so.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the first interest should be not profit, but the health and happiness of the people of Great Britain?
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a very large number of firms who are making big profits give no holidays at all?