§ 8. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will declare St. Andrew's day a public holiday in Scotland.
§ Mr. YoungerI have no authority in this matter as public holidays in Scotland are fixed locally by district councils.
§ Mr. CanavanWhy is today a public holiday in Barbados, the Philippines, Benin, Vanuatu, Upper Volta, Yugoslavia and the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, while it is not in the Thatcher undemocratic satellite of Scotland? Is it significant that the Prime Minister's governor-general of Scotland has the same name as the patron saint of England, especially when, according to some historians, St. George was a purely mythical figure who did not even exist?
§ Mr. YoungerI imagine that there are public holidays in the countries to which the hon. Gentleman referred because the district councils in those areas fixed them.
As to the hon. Gentleman's other suggestion, I should much prefer to have a public holiday on 9 October, which happens to be St. Denis's day, from whom I imagine the hon. Gentleman is directly descended, and who is, of course, the patron saint of the French royal family.
§ Mr. CanavanThe French revolution.
§ Mr. HirstIs my right hon. Friend aware that the suggestion for additional and expensive public holidays in Scotland will be greeted with dismay by Scottish industry as it struggles to become competitive so that jobs can be protected and created?
§ Mr. YoungerNo doubt my hon. Friend is right. Most people who are engaged in Scottish business are much more interested in getting business on its feet than in having extra public holidays.
§ Mr. DewarDoes the Secretary of State agree that, more important to Scotland than any public holiday, would be recognition of the Scottish dimension in the government of the United Kingdom? Is he aware that a sprig of heather and twist of tartan, no matter how bravely worn, are no substitute for an adequate devolution policy? Will he examine Lord Home of Hirsel's suggestion that to vote "No" in the referendum was to allow an improved Conservative model to be introduced? Will he now unveil that unlikely beast?
§ Mr. YoungerI think it is generally agreed in Scotland that there is very little interest in the recreation of a Scottish Assembly along the lines suggested by the Labour party when it was in office. However, if the Labour party is still interested in devolution, it could take a major step by appointing the hon. Gentleman to the shadow Cabinet.
§ Mr. WilsonIf it is possible for Westminster abbey to fly the saltire above the looted stone of destiny, will the Minister issue an order that all public buildings in Scotland, at both national and local level, should display the St. Andrew's flag on this day of all days?
§ Mr. YoungerI understand that it is up to individual bodies to decide which flag to fly. The saltire is flown at the Scottish Office, New St. Andrew's house, on public occasions.