§ Sir Granville Gibsonasked the Minister of Labour whether the Government proposes to issue a statement for the information of all concerned as to whether firms engaged on munitions should cease work on Christmas Day; and what arrangements should be made by other firms to carry on during the Christmas period?
§ Mr. BevinThe Government has called on war industry to maintain production over the forthcoming holiday period with not more than one day's break, either Christmas Day or New Year's Day. It is not desired to interfere with the usual arrangements of other services and trades except to the extent that may be necessary to meet the requirements of those continuing at work.
§ Mr. Banfieldasked the Minister of Labour whether he will make it clear to employers and workmen in the baking trade that, notwithstanding any curtailment of the Christmas holidays, all work performed on Boxing Day must be paid for, as laid down under the trade board regulations governing the baking trade, or as in agreement negotiated between the trade union and employers' associations.
§ Mr. BevinIt is proposed to provide by Order in Council that the cancellation of the Boxing Day Bank Holiday for various purposes shall not affect such of the provisions of any enactment or other instrument or of any agreement as relate to the payment of wages for work done on a Bank Holiday. I am sending to my hon. Friend a copy of a Government Announcement on this subject issued at the end of last week.