HC Deb 12 February 1953 vol 511 cc588-9
32. Mr. Chapman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as a lead to other public and to private employers, he will arrange for all Government employees to receive one day's holiday with full pay on Coronation Day, 1953, in addition to normal holidays.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)

The Government intend to recommend to Her Majesty that Coronation Day, Tuesday, 2nd June, 1953, should be proclaimed a Bank Holiday and a public holiday throughout the United Kingdom. When the Proclamation has been made, all Government Departments will be instructed to observe Coronation Day as an additional paid holiday for Government employees. Those who are required by their Departments to attend for duty that day will receive the treatment normal in such cases.

Mr. Chapman

May I thank the hon. Gentleman for his reply and, in order to try to bring about national co-ordination, ask whether Government Departments will be closing either on the day prior to or the day following Coronation Day as well as on Coronation Day itself or only on Coronation Day?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think that my statement was fairly comprehensive. If the hon. Member would like me to add to it perhaps he will put a further Question on the Order Paper.

Mr. Robens

Would the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour to have discussions with the National Joint Council so as to make certain that there is no public holiday for any worker which is an enforced holiday without payment being made?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I will see that my right hon. Friend hears of what the right hon. Gentleman has said.