HC Deb 17 March 1953 vol 512 cc2059-60
23. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what evidence was submitted to him that the postponement of the Whit Monday bank holiday by one week will impose an undue strain on transport facilities.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that the best technical advice was obtained on the question.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that vast numbers of workers and employers are already arranging to have the Whit Monday holiday a week later and so enjoy a good, long Coronation weekend? Why not make the Monday before the Coronation a bank holiday and so avoid having two muddled Mondays in succession, when some people will be at work, some will not be at work, and this House will not be sitting on either day anyhow?

Mr. Butler

All these matters were considered when the decision was taken, and the views of the Transport Commission were sought from the point of view of the transport facilities to which the hon. and gallant Member refers.