§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Prime Minister which of his Ministers has responsibility for designation of bank holidays in(a) Scotland, (b) England, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland. [22820]
§ The Prime MinisterBank holidays are designated in the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971. Power to vary the specified dates or to designate additional dates is exercisable by Her Majesty by royal proclamation or in the case of Northern Ireland by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. By virtue of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's overall responsibility for the 1971 Act, the Treasury currently co-ordinates advice on any designations for royal proclamation in consultation with other Departments as necessary.