§ 12. Mr. John Grogan (Selby) (Lab)What recent representations she has had asking for an increase in the number of bank holidays. [182689]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mr. Gerry Sutcliffe)The Department receives a variety of requests for new bank holidays. Over the past three months, we have received six requests to make St. George's day a bank holiday, one request for a UN day of peace, and one request to recognise a Bengali religious holiday. Only one request was received asking for a one-day increase to the number of bank holidays on an unspecified date.
§ Mr. GroganGiven that it is many weeks before the next bank holiday, that most European countries have far more bank holidays than we do and Ministers' emphasis on the work-life balance, is it not time that they show they retain their joie de vivre and launch a consultation on the number and nature of our bank holidays?
§ Mr. SutcliffeMay I congratulate my hon. Friend on his linguistic talents? The notion of extra holidays is attractive, and he will acknowledge that this Government, unlike the previous one, introduced the concept of four weeks paid annual leave. We have to balance the issue of bank holidays with the costs for businesses, which are about £2 billion a day. There is a balance between costs and extra bank holidays, but we will keep the matter under consideration.
§ Adam Price (East Carmarthen and Dinefwr) (PC)I am glad that St. George has at least six supporters, but may I make a bid for St. David? The National Assembly for Wales recently supported a proposal to make St. David's day a national public holiday in Wales, so will the Minister agree to meet a small delegation from the Assembly to discuss that proposal?
§ Mr. SutcliffeI am always happy to meet delegations, but I fear that I could meet large numbers of them if I gave way on this issue. People feel strongly about St. David's day, as they do about St. George's day, and if they and the hon. Gentleman write to me, I will provide a response.