HC Deb 02 February 1961 vol 633 cc1165-6
11. Mr. Mathew

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the inter-Departmental committee set up to inquire into the problem of extended holidays, bank holidays and other matters affecting the British tourist trade has yet reported; and if he will make a statement.

22. Mr. Lipton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the inter-Departmental committee has recommended moving the August Bank holiday to the first half of September; and what action he is taking in the matter.

Mr. Maudling

I am considering this problem.

Mr. Mathew

Will my right hon. Friend do everything in his power to galvanise this committee into a sense of urgency so that action can be taken on recommendations before we get into the summer holiday season?

Mr. Maudling

I am quite aware of the urgency of this problem, but it is very difficult and is tied up with school holidays, industrial holidays and so on. No one should be under the illusion that there is a simple answer to it. Anything we can do to spread out the holiday season and avoid these ridiculous peaks will be very valuable.

Mr. Lipton

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would be a good thing and in the public interest and would spread the peak demand on transport and accommodation if, instead of having holidays all in the short period between the middle of July and the middle of August, August Bank Holiday were celebrated in the first half of September? There could be no argument against that.

Mr. Maudling

That is precisely the sort of suggestion we ought to consider.

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