§ 38. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister for the Civil Service why civil servants are being given holidays on Christmas Eve and Monday, 28th December when no such Bank Holiday has been arranged this December for the benefit of all other workers.
§ Mr. David HowellCivil servants have for many years been granted an extra day's privilege holiday at Christmas and a further day when Boxing Day falls on a Saturday. This does not mean that all civil servants will have holidays on both Christmas Eve and Monday 28th December. The arrangement of the Christmas break will vary according to the needs of individual Departments and the service to be provided to the public.
§ Mr. PavittIs the Minister aware that this is yet another step which divides the nation? Whereas wage earners will be dubbed as absentees and lose pay on the Monday, not only civil servants but large numbers of professional people will have that day off. Will the Government do something to ameliorate this injustice?
§ Mr. HowellI am not sure that the hon. Gentleman has got this right. There is no difference between the arrangements this year and in past years. It is the normal Civil Service practice to make this kind of arrangement, particularly when Christmas Day falls on a Friday. If other employers in other parts of the country wish to give their employees a day off, they are free to do so.