HC Deb 09 May 1995 vol 259 cc397-8W
Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to protect traditional Scottish bank holidays in the event of the Scottish clearing banks harmonising bank holidays with their English counterparts. [22157]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The statutory bank holidays in Scotland remain those set out in schedule 1 to the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 or proclaimed each year under that Act. Their purpose is to safeguard the banks if they choose to close on these days. The days on which banks decide to close or open however, is a matter for them. Statutory bank holidays have always had less general significance in Scotland than in other parts of the UK. Public, or local, holidays, determined by each local authority for its own area, tend to be observed rather than the statutory bank holidays. This is part of the Scottish tradition.

Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to amend the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 to impose a statutory obligation that Scottish clearing banks must close on Scottish bank holidays. [22159]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The Government believe that it would not be right to make bank holidays prescriptive. That would be over-regulatory and would deny freedom of choice.

Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance his Department will give to the Scottish clearing banks on the issue of harmonisation of bank holidays; and what guidance has been given in past discussion. [22158]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

This is not a matter in which the Government have any role. The Scottish clearing banks took the decision to adjust their bank holidays for business reasons, after taking their own legal advice. They did not consult the Government, nor were they required to do so.

Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next plans to meet the banking unions to discuss harmonisation of bank holidays throughout the United Kingdom. [22156]

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The days on which banks open and close is a matter for the banks to discuss with their employees. There are therefore no plans for any such meeting.