§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will consider holding the New Year public holiday in 1977 on Friday 30th December.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Shersby) on 12th January 1977.—[Vol. 923, c.518–19.]
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received from members of the public on the incidence and length of public holidays during Christmas and New Year 1976.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe letters I have received show that some people objected either to the principle of designating substitute bank holidays, or to the days chosen, whilst others thought that too long a holiday had been taken. The arrangements which my right hon. Friend announced on 27th July—[Vol. 916, c. 161–2]—were in accordance with the Government's view that there should be substitute bank holidays in lieu of all bank and public holidays which fall on the week-end. As for the days on which the holidays were taken, some people did not appreciate that in general there is neither a statutory obligation to observe a bank holiday as a public holiday, nor, when substitute bank holidays are designated, are employers and employees precluded from making alternative arrangements. In addition, many people enjoyed an extended holiday by taking part of their normal annual holiday entitlement over the Christmas period.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will designate Friday 30th December 1977 as a public holiday in lieu of New Year's 65W Day Sunday 1st January 1978; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Shersby) on 12th January 1977—[Vol. 923, c.518–19.]