HC Deb 17 September 1940 vol 365 cc108-9
40. Mr. Hicks

the Minister of Labour the number of people engaged in industry who have a statutory right to holidays with pay under the Holidays with Pay Act, 1938; the number of voluntary schemes approved by him and the number of workpeople involved; the approximate number of workpeople at present excluded from the benefit of holiday with pay; and whether he proposes to take any steps towards establishing the principle throughout the whole of the industry?

Mr. Bevin

I am having the necessary information extracted and will forward it to my hon. Friend as soon as possible. As regards the last part of the Question, I have not up to the present been able to consider the matter in view of war conditions and the tasks which have been thrown on my Department.

Mr. Hicks

Am I to gather from the Minister's reply that he is proceeding with this matter, apart from merely collecting the facts, to see what can be done to introduce a system of holidays with pay in certain industries where no steps have been taken in the matter? Unless they get a spur from the Government, I am afraid it will be a long time before anything is done?

Mr. Bevin

I shall welcome any industry, such as the one represented by the hon. Member, if he will promote the matter, putting up a proposal.

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