12. Major Vyvyan Adamsasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, if employers accede to his request that holidays should be staggered, a large number of operatives will be working on August Bank Holiday, and will be able to claim double pay for that day, as well as for the following Tuesday where holidays are customary on that day; and whether, to prevent employers being penalised in this way, he will permit all trade agreements allowing double pay for such holidays to be varied?
§ Mr. BevinThe position is that payment for work done on days which would ordinarily be holidays will, failing other agreed arrangements, be governed by any provisions in agreements relating to this matter. The modification of such provisions for the purpose of meeting special circumstances can, and, where necessary, should, be settled by the joint machinery responsible for the agreements, and there is no question of my permission being required.