HC Deb 19 February 1968 vol 759 cc7-8
9. Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will seek to amend the Bank Holiday Act, 1871 to make it obligatory on employers to grant the six annual bank holidays or make compensatory provisions either in payment or time-off in lieu.

Mr. Hattersley

No, Sir.

Mr. Shaw

Is not my hon. Friend aware that there are many workers who are not protected by trade unions or wages councils and do not, therefore, enjoy these benefits? I submitted a case of a constituent employed by the chain of betting shops owned by the Mark Lane firm.

Mr. Hattersley

I am aware of the problem to which my hon. Friend refers. I am aware that it operates in other cases as well, but this does not seem to be an instance in which one part of the employer's agreement should be subtracted and made subject to statutory controls.