§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the fact that the Government's declaration of the Royal Wedding day as a public holiday is causing financial difficulties to those public authorities which have to maintain essential public services by paying double time, and as this is adversely affecting the cash limits, he will give the reason why he will not investigate how these public authorities may be financially assisted.
§ Mr. KingThe Government do not make special provision for public holidays in addition to whatever Exchequer support is normally paid to public authorities in support of their accepted or approved expenditure. I have had no indication from the authorities for which I am responsible to suggest any need to consider whether to depart from this principle in respect of the public holiday on 29 July for the Royal Wedding.