§ 46. Mr. Joelasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the agreement in the House as to the desirability of spreading summer holidays over a wider period, he will set up an inquiry into the possibility 755 of advancing the date of the annual Parliamentary Summer Recess?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I stated in reply to a similar question on 22nd July last, I am afraid that the many practical difficulties which have hitherto stood in the way of advancing the date of the Summer Recess still exist. In the circumstances, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by instituting a special inquiry into the matter.
§ Mr. PalingWould not a further inquiry enable the House to know the practical difficulties in the way?
§ The Prime MinisterThe practical difficulties are related to the financial business of Parliament, which has to be got through in a stated time.
§ Mr. PalingIn view of the changed attitude towards holidays and the spread-over, and in view of the fact that this House has been considering the question of a spread-over generally, would it not be well to make an inquiry in order to see whether these difficulties are insuperable, and also to set an example to other people?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Member does not quite appreciate what the difficulties are. Under the law the Finance Bill has to be passed within four months of the end of the financial year, and no inquiry could alter that fact.