HC Deb 27 November 1945 vol 416 cc1051-2
1. Wing-Commander Roland Robinson

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is now in a position to announce what action he will take to secure a spread-over of holidays, as recommended by the Catering Wages Commission.

The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)

This matter is being actively considered, and I hope to be in a position to make a statement at a fairly early date.

Wing-Commander Robinson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Commission pointed out that there was need for immediate action, if grave social consequences were to be avoided? Does he not think that three months are enough time for the Government to make up their minds?

Mr. Isaacs

It is not a question of the Government making up their minds but of finding out how the recommendations can be applied. There are two real problems. The first is how to apply the staggering of wakes weeks for each town. This matter is at present being examined by a joint committee of industrial employers and workers. The second problem is how to stagger the holidays of universities and schools, and that question is being gone into by a committee of the Ministry of Education. The matter is being actively pursued and I hope to be able to make a statement fairly soon.