§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there are many trades union, joint industrial councils and wages boards agreements which lay down that employees working on declared public and bank holidays should receive double pay, and, in some instances, an additional day off with pay; whether the application of these types of agreements for Friday 15th and Saturday 16th March is in accordance with the Government's prices and incomes policy; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HattersleyI am aware that many agreements provide for special payments, or time off in lieu, for work carried out on public holidays. My information is that the provisions in the majority of such agreements relate to specified holidays. No incomes policy issues arise.