§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will initiate discussions with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry aimed at improving industrial relations and increasing productivity by encouraging firms to take a 10-day midwinter holiday between Christmas and New Year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaddingtonNo. Employers and employees are free—subject to statutory provisions concerning bank holidays—to agree holiday arrangements over the Christmas and New Year period having regard to costs and to operational needs. The Government do not intend to press for any particular arrangement.