§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will carry out a study into the number of firms in 1978–79 which allow a week-plus holiday covering Christmas and the new year; and if he will initiate discussions with the TUC and CBI aimed at progress towards the 1975 EEC recommendation of a general holiday entitlement of at least four weeks including where possible a mid-winter holiday week covering the period from Christmas to the new year.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI have no plans for such a study. Holiday arrangements between Christmas and new year and at other times are, in general, a matter for agreement between employers and employees. The Government supported the EEC recommendation for four weeks'702W annual paid holiday on the basis that its progressive achievement was a matter for collective bargaining, subject to the requirements of counter-inflation policy. The recommendation imposes no obligation for legislation to achieve its objectives and I do not propose to start discussions on this subject with the TUC and CBI.