§ 49. Mr. A. HENDERSONasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government will take steps to ensure that no employed person shall suffer any loss of wage in respect of the public holiday which is to be proclaimed on the day on which the Coronation is to take place?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn such a matter the Government could not issue directions to private employers, but I have no doubt that the latter can be relied upon to show full consideration for their workpeople, so far as circumstances permit.
§ Mr. HENDERSONDoes not the Prime Minister agree that it is extremely undesirable from every point of view that millions of wage-earners should have to make a financial sacrifice in connection with the Coronation celebrations?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think I am called upon to express an opinion on that question.
§ Mr. THORNEMay we take it for granted that all our Government employés will get a day's holiday with pay?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI must have notice of that question; it is a long time ahead. I remember that the question was raised at the time of the Jubilee.