§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Employment how
412Wbank holidays in 1981–84 will be as set out in the table below.
The Government have consulted interested organisations about these arrangements. Some asked that the holiday should be arranged to fall in one working week between Christmas and New Year's Day. We have not considered it right to do so because that would make difficulties for financial institutions, which are the organisations primarily bound by the arrangements we make.
I would stress, however, that the majority of employers are free to make their own arrangements (unless they are bound by the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 or by a Wages Council order or Agricultural Wages Board order). I would encourage them to negotiate other arrangements with their employees if they find the official dates inconvenient.
many young persons aged 18 years and under there are in the Stockport travel to work area who have never had a job; and if he will provide separate figures for each career office and jobcentre at the latest date for which figures are available and comparable figures for 1979.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.