asked 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.

No. Holiday arrangements over this period, as at other times of the year, are primarily a matter for employers and employees to agree in the light of their own circumstances. It would be wrong for the Government to encourage any particular arrangement.