If you compare our holidays with the rest of Europe, I think there is an argument for it

John Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister

But a DTI spokesman played down the newspaper report, explaining that the Queen's Jubilee was to be a public holiday in 2002, with no plans for an extra holiday in 2003.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has given the campaign for a further bank holiday a boost by stating that British workers were having to work too hard.

"I think there is something to be said for it," he said.

"If you compare our holidays with the rest of Europe, I think there is an argument for it," he told GMTV's Sunday programme.

St David is a key figure in Welsh history

"We do work far too many hours in this country."

Last week, a pamphlet by the left-wing think tank, the Fabian Society, urged Labour to include a commitment to bring Britain's bank holidays up to the EU average of 12.

Currently, Britain languishes at second from bottom in the European bank holiday league with just eight - half the number there are in Italy.

Spread of christianity

The Fabian Society argued that Britons are now working the longest hours in western Europe and could have their lifestyles dramatically improved by more free time.

St David was born circa 542AD at Menevia, which is now called St David's.

He was the founder, abbot and bishop of the monastery and was responsible for much of the spread of christianity in Wales.

His teachings drew pilgrims from Ireland and from Europe.

It is believed he died in 601AD.