HC Deb 21 February 1961 vol 635 cc297-8
32. Mr. C. Johnson

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received the report of the departmental committee dealing with the staggering of holidays, including the possible changing of the dates of the August and Whitsuntide Bank Holidays; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. F. J. Erroll)

My right hon. Friend is not yet ready to make a statement.

Mr. Johnson

Would the Minister ask his right hon. Friend whether, having regard to the wide public interest in this matter, he will consider having the Report published or, failing that, at least have its contents brought to the attention of the British Travel and Holidays Association, which is in touch with all the interests affected, so that those people primarily concerned with the problem may know the Committee's recommendations?

Mr. Erroll

I will see that those suggestions are passed on to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. H. Wilson

In addition to publishing this Report—and, clearly, the Government cannot have anything to hide with this—would the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that this very valuable proposal, which has been running for many years, has no hope of becoming effective unless he consults his right hon. Friend the Minister of Education, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer through the University Grants Committee, to ensure that there is a change in the practice and timing of public examinations affecting schools? Is he aware that until the G.E.C. timetable is altered, there is no real hope of having holidays staggered?

Mr. Erroll

My right hon. Friend does understand the importance of the educational aspects of the matter.