LORD GIFFORDMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will now carry out an inquiry into public opinion on the question of moving Bank Holiday from the first to the last Monday in August, in view of the many public expressions in favour of this, since the debate in your Lordships' House on 18th November 1959, during which an undertaking to consider such an inquiry was given.]
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEMy Lords, as the noble Lord will be aware, my right honourable friend the President of the Board of Trade has recently appointed an official Committee to consider what action the Government can take to encourage the extension of the summer holiday season in Great Britain. The question of moving the August Bank Holiday will naturally be one of the problems which this Committee will consider.
LORD GIFFORDMy Lords, I thank the noble Earl for his Answer. I am glad that this Committee has been appointed. Might I ask whether every endeavour will be made to publish the Report of this Committee as soon as possible, because there was one inquiry some years ago when the answer was delayed for a year?
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEMy Lords, I certainly hope that it will not be unduly delayed.
LORD HAWKEMy Lords, in deciding this matter will Her Majesty's Government take into consultation the Yorkshire and Lancashire County Cricket Clubs respectively?